The
Defence Headquarters has made clarifications regarding the air
interdiction mission conducted by Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai
on Sunday 26 September 2021.
The operation allegedly led to the killing of 20 fishermen at Kwatan Daban Masara general area in the fringes of Lake Tchad.
The
clarification is contained in a statement signed by Acting Director,
Defence Media Operations, Brig. Gen. Bernard Onyeuko on Thursday in
Abuja.
Onyeuko stated that the Air Component of OPHK conducted
airstrikes on the target following receiving credible actionable
intelligence on the activities of terrorists in an identified ISWAP Camp
at the said location.
"Consequently,
the intelligence gathered was processed and carefully analyzed between
the period of 19 August and 23 September 2021.
He emphasised that persons wearing combat vests and uniforms identified as ISWAP-styled uniforms were seen within the camp.
"Furthermore, neither women nor children were noticed in or around the camp, just as no fishing activities were seen.
Instead,
canoes loaded with unidentified items were seen parked but not engaged
in any fishing activity, an indication that they were to be ferried to
another location.
"Having carefully ascertained that nearby
civilian settlements were not in the line of fire and a precision strike
would disrupt ISWAP logistics movement and neutralize them; a decision
was made to conduct a strike on the ISWAP camp," the Defense
spokesperson stated.
Although he said casualty figures could
not be ascertained, he explained that the strike was verified to be
successful in disrupting ISWAP logistics movement and foot soldiers.
Onyeuko
also said it is important to state that the location is a well-known
ISWAP enclave and there is an existing ban on fishing activities within
the area.
"Additionally, the general area is known as a
gateway for the movement of logistics by ISWAP elements especially from
Kirta and Wulgo locations", he noted.
The Nigerian military,
therefore, stated categorically, that necessary steps were taken to
ensure that the presence of the terrorists was ascertained and the
strike was precise and professionally executed.
Military Clears the Air on Alleged Killing of 20 Fishermen
