By Linus Aleke, Abuja
The Air component of Operation Hadarin Kai (OPHK), on 13 April executed a precision airstrike on the hideouts of ISWAP terrorists, nestled within Kolleram village along the shores of Lake Chad, in a decisive onslaught against terrorists, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has said.
Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, in a statement on Tuesday, said the operation, conducted on 13 April 2024, yielded significant success as the Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) post-strike conducted revealed the killing of over 30 terrorists.
“Among those neutralized were some senior commanders such as Ali Dawud, Bakura Fallujah, and Mallam Ari. Additionally, numerous vehicles, motorcycles, and logistical assets were destroyed, severely hampering the terrorists’ operational capabilities.
Intelligence gathered after the air strike further indicated that the aerial bombardment effectively obliterated a key facility within the Kolleram enclave, which served as a hub for the terrorists’ food processing activities, including grinding machines,” Gabkwet disclosed.
The success of these airstrikes, he said, underscores NAF’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of Nigerian citizens.
He noted that by neutralizing key terrorist figures and destroying their logistical infrastructure, the operation has significantly degraded the capabilities of the ISWAP group in the region.
He concluded that these airstrikes complement the ongoing efforts of ground forces in the Lake Chad flank and represent a crucial step forward in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria.
