Terror kingpins, 100 militants killed in Borno – NAF

According to the Nigerian Air Force, the air component of Operation Hadin Kai carried out airstrikes at the Bama Local Government Area in Borno State, killing two terrorist kingpins.

Khaids Tukur and Bakura Jega were identified as the terrorist leaders by the Air Force, which also stated that more than 100 other militants perished in the airstrike.

Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the director of public relations and information, said in a statement on Sunday that the air raid was carried out after it was learned that the commanders had stationed their foot soldiers in the region in strategic locations.

Terrorist kingpins Khaids Abba Tukur, Bakura Jega, and others confirmed neutralized in air strikes as COAS and CAS fete troops in Maiduguri, according to the release.

It partly read, “Following an airstrike conducted by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai on December 20, 2022 at Mantari in Gezuwa area of Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, it has now been confirmed that several terrorists including Khaids Abbah Tukur, Maimusari, Bakura Jega and several others were eliminated in the strike. The information was received just as the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, arrived in Maiduguri earlier today, December 25, 2022, to celebrate the Yuletide with frontline troops.

“The air strike was authorised after it was discovered that a Boko Haram terrorist commander simply known as Ikirima, had stationed his fighters and gun trucks at Mantari village, alongside other terrorists from other locations who had converged at the same location arrived with motorcycles and bicycles.

“Subsequently, the authorisation for an air strike was given leading to the elimination of several of the terrorists and structures in the area. After the first wave of air strikes, some surviving terrorists found their way back to the same location to evacuate the bodies of those neutralised in the air strike. This thus provided an opportunity for a follow-up strike on the same location which has been confirmed very successful as over 100 terrorists were neutralised with dozens said to be in critical condition.”

The statement added that there were confirmed reports that ISWAP and Boko Haram elements had perfected plans to resume active hostilities in the wake of the Yuletide and forthcoming general elections.

“The timely intelligence received on their plans especially their attempt to attack soft targets in Bama LGA thus helped in the successful air strikes which reduced their will to regroup and attack innocent citizens.

“There is no doubt that the progress and gains being made, especially by the air and ground troops have greatly contained an upsurge of terrorists’ campaigns within the Northeast zone in recent times. Both air and ground troops have however been cautioned on the need to remain focused on the end state,” the statement added.