By DECAN
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has neutralised nine ISWAP fighters, including a key commander, in a precision air strike in Borno.
The strike, conducted on Aug. 8, followed credible intelligence on the movement of suspected terrorists within the Sambisa Forest area.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
Ejodame said the NAF deployed a Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) for persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) after receiving the intelligence.
He said the aircraft identified and tracked a group of terrorists moving towards a suspected hideout before conducting a precision engagement.
According to him, subsequent Battle Damage Assessment indicated significant effects on the targeted compound, with several terrorists neutralised.
Further intelligence received after the strike confirmed that nine ISWAP fighters were killed, while several others sustained injuries, he said.
Ejodame identified one of those neutralised as Abu Khalid Al Muhajir, described as a prominent ISWAP commander.
He said Al Muhajir was responsible for providing special security escorts for the movement of senior members of the terrorist group.
His elimination represented a significant operational setback for ISWAP, particularly because of his knowledge of routes, terrain and tactical movements, he said.
Ejodame said intelligence indicated that some of the terrorists affected were linked to elements suspected of involvement in the recent Bita-Yamtage ambush.
The ambush occurred in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno, where Nigerian troops were attacked by terrorists, according to the statement.
He said the latest operation underscored the growing effectiveness of NAF’s intelligence-driven air operations against terrorist elements.
Ejodame said the integration of persistent ISR and precision strike capabilities enabled the force to detect, track and neutralise terrorists.
He said the operation was also expected to disrupt ISWAP’s leadership protection arrangements, movement of high-value personnel and coordination across its enclaves.
“The Nigerian Air Force will continue to sustain intelligence-led and precision air operations in close coordination with surface forces,” Ejodame said.
He said the operations were aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities, disrupting their freedom of movement and creating a safer environment for communities across the North East.