MNJTF, NAF Bomb 33 ISWAP Fighters in Borno

MNJTF, NAF Bomb 33 ISWAP Fighters in Borno

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has continued to provide active support to ensure success of Operation YANCIN TAFKI, the joint multi-national operation aimed at routing remnants of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the Lake Chad Basin area.

NAF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms and Alpha Jet attack aircraft, working in synergy with ISR platforms and attack aircraft from the Nigerien Air Force, supported surface troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to pursue and decimate fleeing ISWAP fighters around Tumbun Rego area on the fringes of Lake Chad in the northern part of Borno State on 12 March 2019.

The effectiveness of interdiction and close air support missions conducted by the attack aircraft of the 2 countries facilitated the routing of the terrorists at Arege, resulting in the killing of 33 fighters, destruction of some terrorists’ equipment as well as the recovery of an array of weapons and equipment.

In a related development, the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has continued to provide airlift support to troops of participating national contingents of Operation YANCIN TAFKI. This has enhanced liaison between the various Commanders and facilitated visits to forward locations. NAF ISR platforms and helicopters are also providing aerial command posts for enhanced coordination of close air support missions as well as fire control support for ground artillery bombardment of terrorists’ positions. The NAF, operating in concert with allied air and surface forces, will continue to sustain its efforts to support all operations in the Northeast.

Meanwhile, in continuation of efforts to enhance security in Kaduna State and its environs, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), working with other security agencies, has intensified aerial surveillance over identified hotspots and flashpoints in the State while sustaining its air patrol along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway.

Some of the areas covered in the surveillance missions include Gonin Gora, Kajuru, Kujama, Kasuwar Maganin and surrounding settlements. The air patrols, on the other hand, are focused on portions of Abuja-Kaduna Highway, which had thitherto been susceptible to the activities of armed robbers and kidnappers.

It may be recalled that the NAF conducted a “Show of Force” Exercise in Katari village, one of the identified criminal hotspots along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway, on 9 February 2019. The exercise, which combined aerial and ground operations by NAF Special Forces (SF) and Regiment personnel, sent a stern warning signal to criminal elements, that the NAF and other security agencies are ready to engage them both from the air and on ground to frustrate their nefarious activities.

The NAF will sustain its aerial surveillance, coupled with armed vehicular patrols, along the Highway, Rail Line and other areas in the State to ensure security of citizens as well as safe travels for law-abiding commuters.

IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force