The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that its airstrikes killed scores of terrorists in Metele, located in the Northern Tumbuns area of the Lake Chad Basin.
A statement released on Thursday disclosed that the operation took place in the early hours of Wednesday, following credible intelligence and surveillance missions that had identified a senior terrorist commander, multiple hideouts, and heightened militant activity in the region.
According to the NAF, air assets engaged the targets with precision.
“Upon arrival, aircrew observed significant terrorist movement around concealed structures, confirming the presence of hostile elements. Following positive target identification, the aircraft executed devastating strikes on the designated locations,” the statement read.
It added: “Post-strike Battle Damage Assessment confirmed the destruction of the terrorists’ enclave and the neutralisation of scores of terrorists.”
In response to the successful operation, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, commended the personnel involved and reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to sustained offensive action.
“We will continue to leverage our air power capabilities to locate, strike, and destroy terrorist targets wherever they are found. The Nigerian Air Force remains resolute in denying terrorists freedom of action and ensuring they have no safe haven within our sovereign territory,” he said.
