By LENGNAN DAPAM TOBIAS

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says its precision air strikes have neutralised scores of terrorists at Metele in the Northern Tumbuns area of the Lake Chad Basin.

This is contained in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

Ejodame said that the operation was conducted in the early hours of Wednesday.

He also said that the operation was launched after credible intelligence and subsequent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions confirmed the presence of a senior terrorist commander, terrorist hideouts, and heightened terrorist activity within the area.

According to him, acting on the intelligence, NAF air assets engaged the identified targets with precision.

“Upon arrival, aircrew observed significant terrorists movement around the concealed structures, confirming the presence of hostile elements.

“Following positive target identification, the aircraft executed devastating strikes on the designated locations.

“Post-strike Battle Damage Assessment confirmed the destruction of the terrorists enclave and the neutralisation of scores of terrorists.”

Reacting to the successful operation, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, commended the personnel involved, and reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to sustaining relentless pressure on terrorist elements.

“We will continue to leverage our air power capabilities to locate, strike, and destroy terrorists 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,” the CAS said. (NAN)