Military fighter jets destroy terrorists' abode in Borno - DHQ

By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Defence Headquarters says the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole (OPLD) has destroyed compounds housing Boko Haram Terrorists’ (BHTs’) leaders at Bulawa on the fringes of the Sambisa Forest in Borno.

The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

Enenche said the air strikes were executed on April 21 based on credible human intelligence as well as Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions that led to the identification of the target compounds within the settlement.

He explained that the fighter jets dispatched by the Air Task Force to take out the compounds scored accurate hits in the target area leading to the destruction of some of the structures.

According to him, some of the terrorists occupying the compounds were neutralised in the attack.

“Boko Haram fighters, who attempted to reposition to engage the attacking aircraft, were mopped-up in follow-on attacks by the jets.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria in furtherance of the objective of restoring peace and security in the North East, will sustain the offensive against the enemies of our nation,” he said.

Enenche also disclosed that troops on Wednesday raided a suspected militia camp at Anku Mbagen in Atera-Jange Torov Council Ward of Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

He disclosed that large cache of arms, ammunition and other items were recovered.

Enenche said the raid operation was carried out by the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke made up Sector II deployed at Katsina Ala, Ukum and Logo LGAs of Benue and those of Sector 4 drawn from parts of Taraba.

He explained that the operation was sequel to timely and credible information received on the activities of the armed militia operating around the border areas of Benue and Taraba states.

According to him, the armed militia on sighting the troops opened a barrage of fire on own troops.

The Special Forces troops, he said, responded swiftly and neutralised three gang members

“Others abandoned their position and weapons and fled into the bush with gunshot wounds.

“Items recovered include one 81mm Mortar gun, five 60mm Commando Mortar gun, seven locally fabricated Mortar tubes guns, three SMG rifles, three Double Barrel rifles and two locally made rifles.

Also recovered are, one G3 rifle, one locally made pistol, five AK 47 magazines, 166 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, one car battery, 15 rounds of locally made ammunition, two bags of gun powder, nine pairs of Camouflage uniforms, one generator, three motorcycles, one cellular hand set, charms and assorted hard drugs.

“There was no casualty on own troops.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to restate its commitment to restoring peace in all parts of the country.

“It also continue to request the general public for credible information which will assist the military to rid the country of criminal elements,” he said. (NAN)