ISWAP kingpins, others neutralized in NAF air strikes at Belowa near lake Chad – NAF Spokesperson

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By Joy Odor

In continuation with series of air strikes aimed at fracturing the will of remnants of terrorists and insurgents to fight as well as denying them their freedom of movement, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai on 5 November 2022 conducted air interdiction missions at the remaining ISWAP/Boko Haram enclaves ‘Belowa’ in Tumbuns, Lake Chad Region in Abadam Local Government.

Accordingly, a mix of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft were dispatched to the location of the meeting at Belowa which was confirmed to be active.

The location was subsequently engaged with rockets and bombs in multiple passes.

An hour after the strikes, 2 vehicles conveying about 13 injured surviving terrorists to another hideout were struck through precision strikes by NAF aircraft.

Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, NAF Spokesperson disclosed this in a press statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday.

He said the strikes became necessary after intelligence revealed convergence of some ISWAP leaders and fighters from surrounding areas for a meeting with motive of planning attacks on friendly forces.

NAF Spokesperson informed that feedback after the strikes revealed that ISWAP kingpin, Mallam Ali Kwaya who is a key member of the ISWAP Shura Council and Mallam Bukar Mainoka were among those neutralized in the strikes.

Similar “strikes were also conducted on 4 November 2022 at Ngwuri Gana in Bama LGA, a location East of Maiduguri.

“The strikes became expedient sequel to intelligence that a group of ISWAP insurgents in 15 trucks were spotted converging at the location.

“The insurgents, who were armed with assorted weapons, were believed to have arrived from Mina, Abuja Kote and Tanga Lan Nga Villages all in Bama LGA.

“Usually, such regrouping means that an attack on troops locations in Bama LGA was in the offing.

“The need to strike the location was thus authorized. Feedback revealed the strike was on point as several terrorists were neutralized and all their structures and vehicles engulfed in fire.

“Recent behaviors of remnants of terrorists and insurgents’ elements particularly in the Northeast is indication of a state of desperation, confusion, apprehension and anxiety.

“On one hand, their ability to loiter freely and attack vulnerable villages and troops’ location at will has drastically reduced just as their sources of weapon supplies have been blocked.

‘”The infighting among the terrorist groups is also viewed as a clear sign of an end in sight of these groups acting and working together to attack troop’s location” he said.

Air Commodore Gabkwet who confirmed the strikes, refused to be drawn into the names of those killed.

He however had this to say, “Our path to victory in the Northeast and northwest remains on course and we won’t relent until all locations are free of terrorists and insurgents.

“Let’s also not forget that the resilience of our pilots and technicians is in line with the directive of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Amao that terrorists and insurgents must be denied their hiding places” he stressed.

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