On Thursday, the Nigerian Air Force stated that airstrikes in the Tumbuns area of Borno State, near Lake Chad, had killed many terrorists.
The operation was effectively carried out, according to the service, after the remaining terrorists were forced to relocate to higher and drier terrain after their hideouts were inundated and exposed as a result of the area’s ongoing rainfall.
In a statement, NAF spokesperson AVM Edward Gabkwet acknowledged that the Nigerian Air Force flew intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance flights over the area on August 22nd, 24th, and 26th, 2024.
He went on to say that the operations discovered several terrorists, as well as some of their rescued items, hiding within four temporary shelters, some of which were hidden beneath trees and dense vegetation.
According to Gabkwet, “The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai successfully conducted an air interdiction mission at Jubillaram, in southern Tumbuns, dealing a major blow to the remnants of terrorists hiding in the Tumbuns near Lake Chad.”
The operation was made possible by the terrorists’ forced relocation to higher, drier ground when their enclaves became exposed and inundated as a result of the area’s ongoing rains in recent days.
In order to verify this, on August 22, 24, and 26, 2024, the NAF carried out Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance missions over the area.
The results showed multiple terrorists, some of whom had their salvaged belongings tucked inside four makeshift shelters, while others were hidden beneath dense vegetation and trees.
In addition to killing a number of terrorists, he said, other buildings, armoury, and logistics storage facilities were destroyed.
“As a result, targeted precision airstrikes were authorised on the designated target areas, engaging and demolishing the majority of the structures,” stated Gabkwet.
From one of the demolished buildings, a dense cloud of black smoke emerged, perhaps from a storage space used for logistics or armoury.
In the process, a number of terrorists were also neutralised.
What they’re saying
“The success of this operation demonstrates the NAF’s dedication to fulfilling its job and defending the nation from terrorist threats. The extra rainfall and swampy terrain may have unwittingly driven the terrorists out of hiding, but it was the NAF’s quick and determined operation that dealt a serious blow to them.
“It is also crucial to note that striking at the heart of terrorist strongholds in Maiduguri severely disrupts their centre of gravity and reduces their ability to inflict havoc, particularly against civilians. These enclaves also act as feeders for other terrorist cells operating in the vicinity.”
Bottom Line
Striking at terrorist strongholds disrupts their logistical and operational capabilities.
Destroying shelters, armouries, and logistics storage facilities hinders the terrorists’ ability to regroup and launch attacks. This disruption is crucial in reducing the threat posed by these groups to both military forces and civilians.
Successful airstrikes have a significant psychological impact on terrorist groups. The knowledge that they are being closely monitored and can be targeted at any time may deter future activities and weaken their morale.
