The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets have killed about 18 terrorists and destroyed their structures and logistics facilities during an air operation in Borno State.
The operation followed intelligence indicating that a high-profile gathering of terrorist elements was taking place on islands in the area.
Subsequently, surveillance missions were used to confirm the presence of the targets before the strikes were authorised.
It was gathered that the bombardment was carried out at Tumbunma Baba, within the wider Tumbuns area of Borno, at about 6:05 a.m. Friday.
Earlier intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions conducted on September 9 had identified several terrorist structures and logistics hubs around the enclave.
A security source disclosed the operation to newsmen, stating that the military acted after receiving and confirming intelligence on the terrorists’ activities.
According to the source, the aircraft located the identified targets and released onboard munitions, destroying several structures used by the terrorist group.
The source said the strikes were assessed to have achieved about 85 per cent success, although further air operations were recommended to target surviving members and consolidate the gains.
Moreover, the source described the operation as part of the military’s continuing campaign to weaken terrorist networks, destroy their supply systems and restrict their ability to move and coordinate within the Tumbuns.
The latest operation is expected to place further pressure on terrorist elements using the remote islands as bases for logistics and coordination.