Nigerian Air Force Strikes Kill 12 Terrorists In Borno

The Nigerian Air Force's operations have reportedly killed several terrorists in different areas of Borno between Jan. 2 and Jan. 6.

Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, the director of public relations and information at NAF, revealed Sunday that 12 terrorists were killed in the operations, which were conducted near Sambisa Forest. They were suspected of moving arms and ammunition to the area.

"The convergence of terrorists within the location raised suspicion of their intent and plan, hence, the directive to strike the location. The aftermath of the strikes led to a huge ball of flames from two adjacent spots within the vicinity, while some surviving terrorists were observed scampering for safety," Gabkwet said, Punch reported. "Feedback also revealed that 12 terrorists were neutralized in the strike and their logistics destroyed, thereby degrading their ability to attack soft targets and their own troops."

Air Vice Marshal Gabkwet further shared that similar strikes were conducted in a location 1.5 kilometers away from Southwest of Tumbun Agiri, within the Tumbuns in the Lake Chad region, over the weekend.

"Intelligence gathered over time had revealed the continuous gathering of armed terrorists in pick-up vehicles and motorcycles, hence the go-ahead to attack the location," he added. "The precision strikes on the location led to the destruction of the vehicles and motorcycles as well as the elimination of several terrorists."

Borno state has witnessed several terrorist attacks in the past. At least 13 people were killed last year in two separate attacks by Boko Haram jihadists in the villages of Wulari and Maiwa. Boko Haram is responsible for bombings, kidnappings and the abduction of schoolgirls in north-eastern Nigeria to herder-farmer conflicts.

In September, Gunmen reportedly killed 10 people in Plateau State and destroyed several houses.

Nigerians have been reeling under various internal issues, including the Boko Haram insurgency. The attacks have increased in the early 2020s.