By Victor Akaa.
In a precision aerial bombardment, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI successfully eliminated several terrorists and destroyed their structures in the early hours of July 3, 2024.
Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information NAF, stated this in a statement explaining that the targeted locations, Degbewa and Chinene, are notorious terrorist hideouts nestled in the Mandara mountains.
He said that following extensive aerial surveillance, which revealed a significant buildup of terrorist forces and suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) manufacturing and storage sites, the air strikes were authorized to neutralize the threats.
Air Vice Marshal Gabkwet averred that the terrorists, seemingly unaware of the impending danger, were caught off guard as the aircraft bombarded the locations in multiple passes, resulting in the elimination of a significant number of terrorists. Those attempting to flee were subsequently targeted with cannon fire.
“The air strikes became expedient after several days of aerial surveillance over Chinene and Degbewa, which revealed a consistent gathering of a large number of terrorists in the area also suspected to be sites for manufacturing of Improvised Explosive Devices and storage area.
“The terrorists were also observed to be loitering within the vicinity, clearly oblivious of what was to befall them, and probably confident that their location was safe and secured from any form of military bombardments.”
Enugu Reporters reports that the operation demonstrates the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering commitment to dismantling terrorist strongholds and ensuring the safety of innocent lives.
