The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has conducted air strikes on terrorist hideouts at Abbagajiri in the Timbuktu Triangle, Borno state.
In a statement on Saturday, Ehimen Ejodame, director of public relations and information at NAF headquarters, said the air operation, which was conducted on January 8, targeted terrorist structures and concealed logistics facilities in the area.
Ejodame said the operation was designed to degrade the terrorists’ capability and shape the battlespace for ground forces.
The NAF spokesperson said after the operation, the area was successfully cleared out for the operation of the ground troops.
“The identified terrorist structures were decisively engaged and destroyed, denying the terrorists freedom of action, while a follow-up engagement neutralised armed elements observed converging on the location,” Ejodame said.
“Subsequent advances by ground troops into the area confirmed the effectiveness of the air strikes and validated the success of the joint air–land operation.”
Speaking on the air operation, Sunday Aneke, chief of air staff, said the NAF is committed to dominating the airspace in support of joint operations of troops.
“We will continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement, sanctuary, and logistics wherever they seek to hide. Air operations will remain relentless and intelligence-driven,” Aneke said.
“Our operations are carefully planned and intelligence-led, ensuring maximum effect on hostile elements while safeguarding innocent civilians.
“The Nigerian Air Force will sustain pressure until terrorist networks are completely dismantled.”
Recently, the NAF destroyed terrorist hideouts in the north-east and north-west geopolitical zones and killed several fighters during air operations.
The operations were conducted between January 1 and 2, through joint task forces under Operation Hadin Kai and Operation Fasan Yamma Sector 2.
