The Nigerian Air Force on Wednesday said several terrorists were killed during a joint operation by the air component of Operation Hadin Kai and troops of the Nigerian Army.
The service also said their hideouts in Damasak and Mobbar local government areas of Borno State were equally destroyed.
A statement by its Director, Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, noted that the terrorists had attempted to attack troops of Sector 4 of the MNJTF at Lada, a border town between the Niger Republic and Nigeria, and subsequently fled across the border into Nigeria.
He added that the fleeing terrorists who were on eight motorcycles were later tracked to two locations in Zarri village, about 28 kilometres east of Damasak and Mala Alide in the Mobbar areas of Borno.
It read, “In line with its collaborative efforts with the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) and the Nigerien Air Force, on 23 April 2024, carried out air interdiction strikes on terrorists’ hideouts in Damasak and Mobbar Local Government Areas (LGA) of Borno State.
“The terrorists had attempted to attack troops of Sector 4 of the MNJTF at Lada, a border town between the Niger Republic and Nigeria, and subsequently fled across the border into Nigeria.
“The fleeing terrorists who were on 8 motorcycles were later tracked to 2 locations situated at Zarri village, located about 28 km east of Damasak and Mala Alide in Mobbar LGA of Borno State.
“They were observed hibernating in the Village with their motorcycles hidden under trees.
“Subsequently, airstrikes from the Air Component of OPHK and Nigerien Air Force, under the watchful eye of Niger’s Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, struck the terrorists’ locations.
“Real-time ISR footage later confirmed numerous terrorists were eliminated and several structures within the targeted areas destroyed.
“Collaborative efforts of this nature have continued to yield positive outcomes on both sides of the border
“It has also led to the reduction in terrorism and other forms of cross-border crimes perpetrated by criminals criss-crossing the borders to evade justice”