By Omotayo Edubi
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed the killing of over 100 Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in an airstrike on December 20, in Borno state.
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This is according to a statement released by the Director Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet on Sunday in Abuja.
He said that the interdiction mission was conducted by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) at Mantari village in Gezuwa general area, Bama Local Government Area of Borno.
The director confirmed that among those neutralised were terrorist kingpins Khalid Tukur, Maimusari, and Bakura Jega.
Gabkwet said that the attack followed intelligence report that a Boko Haram terrorist commander, known as Ikirima had moved to Mantari village with his gun trucks, and was joined by terrorists on motorcycles from other locations.
“Subsequently, the authorisation for an airstrike 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.
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“This 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.”
Gabkwet said that ISWAP and Boko Haram elements had perfected plans to resume active hostilities in the wake of the Yuletide and forthcoming general elections.