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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Monday said its fighter aircraft engaged in the counter-insurgency war in the North East have bombarded more terrorist strongholds and logistics bases located at Tumbun Fulani and Tumbun Shitu in the fringes of Lake Chad in Borno State.
NAF Director of Public Relations and Information Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, who made this known, said several terrorists were killed during the operation that led to the destruction of five gun trucks belonging to the terrorists.
Gabkwet in a statement, said “Terrorists hibernating in the Tumbuns on the fringes of Lake Tchad in Borno State were at the receiving end of NAF’s firepower as air strikes obliterated their hideouts, destroying their structures and strategic logistics base. Specifically, Tumbun Fulani and Tumbun Shitu were struck between 27-30 September 2023, when activities of terrorists in the locations were confirmed to have constituted a threat to military formations and law-abiding Nigerians residing within the locations.
At Tumbun Fulani, terrorists were observed loading jerricans in 2 gun trucks concealed under shrubs. Subsequently, NAF aircraft were scrambled to interdict the location, believed to be a major logistics base. After the strike, Battle Damage Assessment revealed several terrorists were neutralised and the gun trucks destroyed. Similar strikes were also undertaken at Tumbun Shitu after structures believed to be terrorists’ hideouts were observed tucked under thick foliage. Additionally, 3 gun trucks with terrorists were sighted moving into the location. The need to strike the location thus became imperative. The aftermath of the air strike revealed several terrorists were neutralised and the trucks destroyed.
The determination of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to significantly limit the activities of terrorists in the North East and indeed other parts of Nigeria remains on course. Operational gains by the AFN are indicative of improved synergy and cooperation by all security agencies as well as the unwavering support of all Nigerians”.
