The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has increased the tempo of air strikes in the northeast against the Boko Haram terrorist group in an operation codenamed Operation Gama Aiki.

The new phase of offensive according to a statement issued by NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, is an integral part of the ongoing counterinsurgency operation and a follow-up to Operation Crackdown launched some months ago with the sole objective of taking over the Sambisa Forest and other Boko Haram strongholds. Operation Gama Aiki, the statement said, is a follow-up to Operation Crackdown that was terminated few days ago. “It is a collaboration between own Surface Forces and the Multi National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to rid northern Borno, particularly the area around the Lake Chad Basin, of the remnants of BHTs that relocated northward from the south as a result of Operation Crackdown,” Famuyiwa explained.

The NAF high command also disclosed that since the commencement of Operation Gama Aiki, a few days ago, the force has intensified air operations in the region. “As usual, the NAF is undertaking both independent and coordinated offensive air operations including Air Interdiction, Closed Air Support and Armed Reconnaissance to shape the battle space and provide safe environment for Surface Forces to operate.

“Other operations undertaken by the NAF include combat air support missions comprising Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Logistics Resupply, Medical Evacuation and liaison missions within the theatre of operation. The overall objective of the ongoing air campaign is to make Nigeria a safe place again,” the statement read.

•Photo shows a NAF fighter jet in operation.