The Nigerian Air Force has announced 1500 successful operations in the last eight months, killing at least 592 terrorists. The operations involved 798 combat sorties that impacted boko haram capabilities and ISWAP fighters in the northeast.
NAF, backed by an upgraded fleet and precise night strike capabilities, successfully destroyed 206 vehicles and 166 key logistics hubs in hostile territory. NAF chief of air staff, Hassan Abubakar, disclosed the figures in a visit to Borno state governor, Babaginda Zulum.
Abubakar noted that every peace threat to the peace of the northeast is being hunted through the operations carried out by the force. Additionally, he added that a gunship called MI-35 has been acquired for close-air support.
Furthermore, he praised the “Borno Model” for its engagement strategy in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign. He stressed that the war is about protecting civilians and rebuilding residents’ trust in the force.
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In response, the Borno state governor lauded the air force for its continuous air support in mortifying terrorists’ capabilities. Meanwhile, he called for additional air platforms to further weaken the strongholds of terrorists in Sambisa Forest, among others.
According to him, these areas are very difficult to be manned effectively by ground troops. Governor Zulum demands air power to eliminate the insurgents and address insecurity in the general area.
The governor also pledged full support to unmanned aerial vehicles deployed to the region for neutralizing terrorist threats. He further commended the collaboration of the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies in counter-insurgency operations.
He revealed that the synergy between the two agencies has contributed to the recent success of the force operations.
