The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that its precision air campaign has eliminated scores of terrorists during a coordinated strike at Metele in the Northern Tumbuns axis of the Lake Chad Basin.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the service disclosed that the operation took place in the early hours of Wednesday following intelligence-driven surveillance and reconnaissance activities.
According to him, credible intelligence, reinforced by Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, revealed the presence of a senior terrorist commander, multiple hideouts, and increased hostile activity in the area.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, air platforms were deployed to engage identified targets with high precision. He further explained that aerial surveillance confirmed movement of fighters around concealed structures before the strike was carried out.
“Upon arrival, aircrew observed significant terrorists movement around the concealed structures, confirming the presence of hostile elements.
“Following positive target identification, the aircraft executed devastating strikes on the designated locations.
“Post-strike Battle Damage Assessment confirmed the destruction of the terrorists enclave and the neutralisation of scores of terrorists.”
Reacting to the success of the mission, the Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, praised the operatives involved and restated the Air Force’s determination to sustain pressure on insurgent groups.
“We will continue to leverage our air power capabilities to locate, strike, and destroy terrorists targets wherever they are found.
“The Nigerian Air Force remains resolute in denying terrorists freedom of action and ensuring they have no safe haven within our sovereign territory,” the CAS said.
