The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed the killing of “scores of Boko Haram terrorists” during airstrikes on two key meeting points in Bula Marwa, Borno state.
In a statement on Monday, Olusola Akinboyewa, NAF spokesperson, revealed that the October 25 operation followed extensive intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions that identified Bula Marwa as a high-level gathering site for Boko Haram militants, including notorious figures within the terrorist group.
According to the statement, ISR assets observed an influx of motorcycles and gatherings of combatants at the location, prompting NAF to launch the airstrike.
“Upon ISR confirmation of increased activity in Bula Marwa, fighter jets were deployed to conduct an air interdiction mission,” Akinboyewa said.
The initial strike targeted a primary meeting location where Boko Haram militants, seen on 12 motorcycles, had gathered. The airstrike neutralised the terrorists at the site, and a follow-up strike was conducted after ISR detected additional militants returning to assess the damage.
“Further ISR missions identified another group of terrorists assembled under a large tree, which led to a second precision strike, inflicting additional losses,” Akinboyewa added.
He said that the airstrikes dismantled Boko Haram terrorists’ capacity to mobilise in the area while also hindering their ability to stage ambushes and other hostile operations.
“This impactful strike reinforces the commitment of the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai to eradicating terrorist threats in northeastern Nigeria,” Akinboyewa said.