NAF Jets Bombard Boko Haram Locations in Northern Borno

• Troops rescue 43 persons, recover 300 cows from terrorists in Mafa

By Senator Iroegbu in Abuja

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has in continuation of its efforts in clearing up the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists, conducted several air strikes at suspected terrorists’ locations on the outskirts of Tumbin Gini and Tumbin Kayewa northern part of Borno State.

The Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, in a statement yesterday,  said the air strikes  on Friday, September 16, 2016, were as a result of ground based intelligence and successive Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance reports obtained from several missions flown by NAF platforms.

Famuyiwa noted that in the video released by the NAF, some of the terrorists could be seen at one of the rendezvous where they were believed to be holding a high-level meeting when NAF jets were scrambled to hit the locations.

He disclosed that a post-strike battle damage assessment of the strikes revealed that the rendezvous was badly damaged with many casualties while those far from the vicinity could be seen scrambling to safety.

The DOPRI listed the aircrafts involved in the air strikes as the NAF F-7Ni and the Alpha jets.

“The air offensive of the NAF have continued to deny the terrorists any hiding place and room for maneuver.

“This has enabled unhindered advance by the surface forces as part of the ongoing Operation GAMA AIKI,” he said.

Famuyiwa also recalled that the NAF had, in an earlier operation successfully conducted air strikes on BHT Camps at Tumbin Rego on August 26 which led to the death of many high ranking members of the group. 

In a relatd development, the Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman,  has also said the military rescued 43 abducted persons and recovered 500 cows from fleeing Boko Haram terrorists in Mafa in Borno State.

He stated that the military operation  occurred yesterday morning after eight suspected Boko Haram terrorists abducted some cattle rearers and livestock at gunpoint at Dalakalari general area, Mafa Local Government Area.

Usman disclosed that “some well meaning people informed the military who swung into action and pursued the terrorists.”

He said the terrorists sensing danger, ran and abandoned the livestock just before Panamri village and ran away.

“The troops  were able to rescue 43 persons and 500 cows taken by the terrorists,” he stated.

Usman also said that the victims and the recovered cows have been handed over to the local authorities.