NAF air strikes destroy terrorist boats, neutralise fighters in Kukawa riverine

NAF air strikes destroy terrorist boats, neutralise fighters in Kukawa riverine

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), operating as the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has recorded another major success against terrorists in the Lake Chad and North-East corridors, following coordinated night precision air strikes that destroyed watercraft, hit key hideouts and neutralised several fighters in the riverine areas of Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the missions were executed after weeks of sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance that confirmed increased terrorist movement and logistics activity around the Malimbe–Masaram Island axis and the Northern Tumbuns.

“Based on credible human intelligence (HUMINT) and persistent aerial surveillance, we tracked the movement of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) elements transiting through Masaram Island ahead of Malimbe, as well as Toumbun Beriberi in Kukawa LGA,” the sources said.

He explained that the strikes were carried out under the cover of darkness on Jan. 18, using precision-guided munitions to ensure accuracy and limit collateral damage.

“We executed swift, successive interdictions on identified targets. Several JAS fighters were neutralised and their water vessels, which they use for mobility and logistics across the Tumbuns and Lake Chad waterways, were completely destroyed.

“Those that remained at Malimbe and Toumbun Beriberi immediately abandoned their positions and fled,” he said.

According to him, post-strike battle damage assessment showed the fleeing terrorists withdrawing toward the Abadam axis, apparently in disarray and expressing suspicion that their movements had been compromised by informants within their ranks.

“The mission was adjudged highly successful. However, due to the terrorists’ paranoia that civilians are cooperating with government forces, we are sustaining air and ground monitoring of the area to deter any form of reprisal,” he added.

The officer further disclosed that the NAF also conducted another major Air Interdiction (AI) mission on Jan. 20 at a newly identified terrorist enclave codenamed “Rackstar” in the Northern Tumbuns.

“At about 1300 hours on Jan. 20, the Air mission identified location considered to be a safe haven for Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) members, including some prominent commanders. The area was also being used as an IED assembly point and a weapons servicing workshop,”said sources

The sources noted that confirmatory ISR carried out on Jan. 18 revealed the general area to be water-logged with dense vegetation, typical of the Tumbuns, but further scanning of the fringes uncovered active terrorist structures about 1.9 kilometres southwest of the initial coordinates.

“We observed terrorists gathering in two different locations. A solar panel and a black flag were also sighted within the enclave, clearly indicating occupation and operational intent.

“Accordingly, selected targets were acquired and engaged with munitions on board. The strikes degraded the terrorists’ capability and disrupted their command and logistics infrastructure,” the sources said.

The sources stressed that the sustained air operations were part of the ongoing efforts of Operation HADIN KAO to deny terrorists freedom of movement, sanctuary and resources across the Lake Chad basin.

NAF air strikes destroy terrorist boats, neutralise fighters in Kukawa riverine