NAF strikes | Photo: NAF
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has destroyed a major terrorist hideout in the Sambisa forest during a targeted air interdiction mission.
In a statement on Thursday, Ehimen Ejodame, NAF spokesperson, said the strike was conducted on November 19 at ARRA, a location described as a “notorious terrorist hideout” within the Sambisa general area.
Ejodame said the strike was carried out under the directive of the chief of air staff and formed part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the north-east.
“The Air Component of Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI initiated the attack following series of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions that tracked terrorist movements following the October 17 ambush on ground troops at KASHOMRI,” the statement reads.
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“Persistent ISR coverage over KASHOMRI and Sambisa revealed suspicious activities and active terrorist structures at ARRA, prompting a deliberate, intelligence-driven strike.
“NAF air assets acquired and engaged designated objectives through coordinated, successive passes.”
The air force said the strike “achieved its intended effect with the complete destruction of all identified targets”, adding that it had significantly weakened the terrorists’ operational capacity and disrupted their command and logistics networks.
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“This successful mission underscores the NAF’s unwavering commitment to protecting the nation, supporting ground forces, and sustaining relentless pressure on terrorist elements across all theatres of operation,” the statement reads.
The spokesperson added that NAF “remains resolute in its mission to neutralize threats, defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity, and secure enduring peace for all citizens”.
