Nigerian Military Airstrikes have eliminated Amir Buba Danfulani and 21 other Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Tumbuns and Sambisa axes of the North-East.
Military sources said the precision airstrikes carried out by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI within the week at different locations dealt a deadly blow on the terrorists.
The Source said the NAF deployed a Super Tucano jet, helicopters and other aircraft in the week-long operations that were carried out simultaneously at different locations.
“Although the mission was adjudged successful and 21 terrorists eliminated, there was uncertainty as to the rank and status of terrorists killed in the operations.
“However, intelligence intercepted of late revealed that the airstrikes took out 21 terrorists, including a top Commander, Buba Danfulani, along the fringes of Lake Tchad in Borno State.
Malam Buba Danfulani was a senior ISWAP Commander (Amir), saddled with indoctrinating Fulanis and herdsmen who joined ISWAP terrorists. He also coordinated activities of the terrorists ranging from deployment of spies as well as tax collection. It is strongly believed that his demise is a huge blow to ISWAP and will affect the strength of the economy and financial dynamics of ISWAP” he said.
He continued “Prior to the execution of the special mission, intelligence identified terrorist training camps at Tumbun Kaiyowa and Tumbun Allura that are most active with ISWAP/Boko Haram activities.
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The camps were also used by terrorists in firing projectiles against Nigerian Army locations in Mallam Fatori
“Consequently, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai deployed some aircraft that degraded the insurgents’ capabilities in order to prevent future attacks on troops and friendly location while ensuring the success of ongoing operations.
“The aircraft dropped several bombs on the targets at TUMBUN KAIYOWA and rockets and cannon at TUMBUN ALLURA. The fleeing surviving terrorists were also eliminated with fighter helicopters.
“Similar operation was conducted at Parisu and Njimia within Sambisa Forest, where three different aircraft types for specific purposes bombarded the targets.
“The elimination of these number of high-ranking terrorists will surely send a strong signal to the terrorists operating in the Northeast that the change in the fortunes of terrorist elements and their likes isn’t accidental. Rather this is attributed to the renewed vigour that the armed forces of Nigeria and other security agencies have brought to bare in the counterinsurgency operation.
When contacted, the Director Of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI) Air Cdre Edward Gabkwet said the NAF executed series of week-long airstrikes in the North East against terrorists with great success.
He, however, said he could not confirm the identity of the said terrorists but noted that it was a successful outing.
He said Nigerians will soon feel the impact of Military operations following destruction of terrorists enclaves and hideouts in the NorthEast.
