Many terrorists have been reportedly killed by a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) jet under Operation Hadin Kai (KAI). It followed the bombardment of terrorists’ hideouts in Sambisa forest and the Tumbuns in Borno State.
Troops while acting on credible intelligence were said to have directed NAF aircraft to a location in Sambisa forest believed to be the enclave of a notorious terrorist, Fiya Ba Yuram, the current Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) leader, who succeeded Abubakar Shekau.
According to a source, the title ‘Fiya’ connotes the most senior position in the terrorists’ militant hierarchy.
The source noted that Yuram was an ally of Shekau and switched allegiance to ISWAP after his death.
The source disclosed that on arrival at the location, the soldiers observed activities, hence, air bombardments were carried out on the location on Monday.
It added that after successful strikes on the location, many terrorists were reportedly killed, though it remained unclear if Yuram was among the casualties.
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In a similar development, air strikes were also undertaken in the Tunbuns near Lake Chad after suspicious activities were observed in the area believed to be terrorists’ training camp. The targets reportedly went up in flames.
After the airstrike, there was pandemonium at the location, as surviving terrorists took cover under nearby trees, which were later struck by the aircraft, a source said.
The source further said the ability of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and other security agencies, alongside their foot soldiers, to pick out key terrorists’ targets for elimination is also indicative of the credibility of the intelligence provided.
When contacted, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, confirmed the strikes, adding: “Yes, strikes were carried out on some specific targets in the Tunbuns and Sambisa with varying degrees of successes recorded.”
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