Several ISWAP Fighters Killed by Air Raid, Says Air Force
*As CAS in Sallah message charges officers against bandits in Northern states
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has disclosed that scores of Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters have been killed in a raid conducted by the Air Force in Borno state.
In a statement, NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, the air raid was targeted against multiple locations where the terrorists were based.
The air force, he said, had identified a settlement on the fringes of Lake Chad in the Northern part of Borno where the terrorists were before attacking with ground fighters.
The statement reads, “The operation, which was conducted on August 9, 2019 as part of the ongoing Operation Green Sweep 3, targeted three compounds in the village, where Human Intelligence (HUMINT) reports had earlier indicated that the ISWAP fighters were concentrated.
“Consequently, following confirmatory Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, which showed significant presence of the terrorists in the designated areas, the ATF scrambled the Alpha Jet aircraft to attack the locations. The munitions of the Jets hit the desired points of impact of the targets causing damage to the buildings and neutralising dozens of the terrorists.”
According to him, the Air Force carried out the operation in concert with surface forces, adding that that attack will be sustained.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has charged officers to be battle ready against bandits operating in the Northern part of the country.
Abubakar in his Eid-el-Kabir message called on the officers to see the terrorists and bandits operating in the North as enemies of the state.
He called on the officers to join hands with other security agencies of government to ensure that threat against the country is addressed.
He said, “Notwithstanding our modest gains, we must appreciate the enormity of the challenges ahead as we strive to consolidate and work with sister services and other stakeholders to rid our great nation of the threats to her security and development.
“Accordingly, as we go forward, I enjoin you all to redouble your efforts in dealing decisively with all enemies of the state while remaining professional in the discharge of your duties. You must be courageous and working in synergy with other security agencies, continue to take the battle to the armed bandits and terrorists, not minding their malicious propaganda.
“You must also remember, in the course of your duties, to always operate within the ambits of extant local and international laws, while showing compassion and respect for all law-abiding citizens”.
“I commend the Air Officers Commanding, Commanders and Supervisors, and indeed all NAF personnel, for your untiring efforts to ensure mission accomplishment. We must continue to evolve new ways of dealing with emerging issues in order to bring succour to our people in the areas affected by security challenges.
“We must also sustain and improve on the level of professionalism in the service through robust, job-focused training; commitment to improving personnel welfare as well as result-oriented Research and Development (R&D), which have all had a positive impact on our operational effectiveness. I must also appreciate our family members for their unquantifiable support and encouragement that have enabled us carry on with our constitutional responsibilities more effectively”.
“Fellow officers, Airmen and Airwomen, as we mark this festive season, which celebrates the spirit of sacrifice, we are afforded an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of our colleagues who have paid the supreme price in service to our fatherland. We remember them today as always and restate our commitment to cater for the needs of their loved ones and those they left behind. Let their memories and deeds spur us on to a higher level of dedication so that their sacrifices were not in vain”.
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