Three fighter jets of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF)have shelled 20 boats killing over 100 Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the Lake Chad waters of Borno. The targeted boats in the lake contain five-seven suspected terrorists holding meetings to attack communities on its shores. The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet in a statement in Maiduguri, disclosed: “Three fighter jets carried out a series of strikes and scored devastating hits and shelling of boats.” According to him, after the 10-minute shelling of lake sailing boats, some survivors scrambled for their lives. He explained that on receiving credible Intelligence on 20 October 2021 that about 20 boats with suspected Boko Haram /ISWAP terrorists were converging for a meeting on an Island. He said the island is in the Tumbuns in Lake Chad at Malam Fatori. On how the boats were targeted, he said:
“While reaching overhead the targets, the pilots observed a gathering of about 20 boats consisting of 5-7 suspected terrorists in each boat. “Using a mix of bombs and rockets, the 3 aircraft carried out a series of strikes and scored devastating hits on the targets leaving some survivors scrambling for their lives. He said the operation by the air component of Operation Hadin Kai again confirms the high concentration of terrorist and insurgent elements hibernating in the Lake Chad general area. He added that NAF is working alongside the Army and Naval components as well as other security agencies under Operation Hadin Kai. The Air Component, according to him; will continue to sustain its operation until the area is rid of all terrorists and insurgents.
