Video on Borno Airstrike: https://youtu.be/ZviXnt9bJ-8
Video on Zamfara Airstrike: https://youtu.be/lnZplFotqKU
The Air Task Force (ATF) for Operation DIRAN MIKIYA has successfully destroyed an armed bandits’ logistics base at Ajia and neutralized dozens of armed bandits at Ajia and Wonaka in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State. The operation was executed on 4 April 2019 sequel to Human Intelligence (HUMINT) reports indicating that the armed bandits were using a compound within Ajia as a logistics store to support their operations.
Consequently, the ATF dispatched a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet, supported by an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform, to attack the compound scoring accurate strikes on the target and causing it to erupt into flames, which engulfed the structures and resulted in the neutralization of some of the bandits. Few survivors, seen fleeing the vicinity of the target area, were taken out in follow-on attacks while others, who managed to escape the area, were tracked to Wonaka and equally neutralized. Independent HUMINT sources subsequently confirmed that more than 25 armed bandits were neutralized in the attacks on the 2 locations.
The NAF, working in close coordination with sister Services and other security agencies, will sustain its operations to neutralize the armed bandits and deny them freedom of action in the Northwest.
In another development, the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has neutralized some Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) Terrorists at Tumbun ‘Alpha’, a small settlement about 4km West of Tumbun Allura, on the fringes of Lake Chad in the Northern part of Borno State.
The air strikes were conducted on 5 April 2019, on the heels of credible intelligence reports indicating that some ISWAP leaders and members had assembled for a meeting under a group of trees near a prominent makeshift structure within the settlement.
A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) platform dispatched for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) confirmed the presence of several ISWAP fighters within the vicinity of the target.
Accordingly, the ATF scrambled a NAF Alpha Jet to attack the location. The bombs from the aircraft recorded hits on the target area resulting in significant damage to surrounding structures with a large fire observed and several of the terrorists neutralized. The attached video clip, which is now declassified, shows some parts of the attack.
The NAF, operating in concert with surface forces, will sustain its operations against the terrorists in the Northeast.
