From Molly Kilete. Abuja
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), yesterday, said its fighter jets bombarded a Boko Haram communication centre in northern Borno State on Sallah day.
The communication centre, reportedly located between Tumbum Rego and Malkonory and about 25km from Kangarwa, is said to have makeshift structures and about 4-6 clusters of solar panels used by the terrorists to power communications equipment and lighting.
The attack, carried out by its 2 x F-7Ni fighter aircraft, is part of the air operations conducted by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in support of the efforts by surface forces and the multi national Joint Task Force to rid the northern part of Borno of terrorists in an exercise codenamed Operation Gama Aiki.
A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa said prior to the attack, the area had been under surveillance for sometimes “but was reported active by a NAF Beechcraft aircraft on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) mission.
“Thereafter, the fighter aircraft was immediately scrambled for interdiction.
“The success of this operation is another major setback for Boko Haram even as NAF intensifies air operations in the NorthEast against the insurgents.
“More so, it is instructive to note that yesterday’s mission was conducted by the crew amid the Salah celebration.
“This brings to fore the commitment of NAF personnel towards successfully bringing the hostility in the North-East to an end within the shortest possible time…”