TheCable

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says strikes by the air component of Operation Hadin Kai have dislodged terrorists in their enclaves at Suwa in Kala Balge LGA of Borno state.

Edward Gabkwet, the NAF spokesperson, in a statement on Tuesday that the airstrikes were carried out on Monday morning.

Gabkwet said recent intelligence reports received by troops revealed that the terrorists were massing up around the area, planning attacks along major routes leading to Bama and Mafa LGAs of the state.

He added that further intelligence also revealed that the same group of terrorists had perfected plans to attack troops stationed around Rann in Kalabalge LGA of the state.

“Accordingly, air strikes were authorized with confirmatory assessments revealing several terrorists neutralised and structures destroyed thereby degrading their ability to attack friendly forces and innocent law-abiding civilians,” NAN quoted Gabkwet as saying.

“It has now become evident that the efforts of the entire security agencies operating in the north-east have, to a large extent, yielded the requisite outcome, though a lot still needs to be done.

“The need to sustain the momentum is thus expedient, just as all the support of all Nigerians to the Armed Forces and other security agencies is essential as they clear the region of all criminal elements.

“For the air component commanders in all joint operating theatres, the directive of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, remains clear and unambiguous: that is ‘Stop at nothing in going after these criminals and ensure they are brought to justice. The era of treating them with kids’ gloves is long over.”