The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded a major operational success after precision airstrikes destroyed a terrorist enclave and neutralised scores of insurgents in the Northern Tumbuns area of the Lake Chad Basin.
The operation, conducted in the early hours of June 10 at METELE, was carried out by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI following credible intelligence on the presence of a senior terrorist commander and heightened terrorist activities in the area.
In a statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions confirmed the location of terrorist hideouts and the concentration of hostile elements before the strike was authorised.
According to him, NAF air assets were deployed to engage the identified targets after intelligence reports indicated significant terrorist activity within the enclave.
“Upon arrival, aircrew observed substantial terrorist movement around concealed structures, confirming the presence of hostile elements. Following positive target identification, the aircraft executed precision strikes on the designated locations,” the statement said.
A post-strike Battle Damage Assessment confirmed the destruction of the terrorist enclave and the neutralisation of scores of terrorists, dealing a significant blow to terrorist operations in the Lake Chad region.
Reacting to the successful mission, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, commended the personnel involved in the operation and reiterated the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to sustaining offensive air operations against terrorist groups.
“We will continue to leverage our air power capabilities to locate, strike and destroy terrorist targets wherever they are found. The Nigerian Air Force remains resolute in denying terrorists freedom of action and ensuring they have no safe haven within our sovereign territory,” Aneke said.
The latest operation is part of ongoing efforts by the military to degrade terrorist capabilities and restore lasting peace and security across the North-East region.
