The Nigerian Air Force has intensified its counter-terrorism operations in the North-East, carrying out fresh airstrikes on terrorist hideouts in Borno State.
The Air Force said the operation targeted identified insurgent camps and logistics structures at Biramiri in the Gezuwa general area within the Sambisa axis of the state.
The military disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
According to the statement, the operation was launched after credible Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance reports confirmed the activities of terrorists in the area.
Ejodame explained that the strikes were carefully coordinated and successfully destroyed major facilities being used by the insurgents.
He said several fighters were also killed during the bombardment.
“The coordinated attacks destroyed key terrorist facilities and neutralised several fighters, further crippling the operational capacity of the insurgents,” he stated.
The Air Force added that the sustained military pressure on terrorist groups across the Sambisa area has continued to weaken their operations and disrupt their movement.
According to Ejodame, intelligence reports showed that many insurgents were now living in fear as continuous air raids denied them safe havens and freedom of movement.
He noted that the ongoing bombardments had created confusion and disorganisation within the ranks of the terrorists.
“The NAF, in concert with troops of Operation Hadin Kai and other security agencies, remains resolute in maintaining relentless pressure on terrorist networks while reinforcing its commitment to protecting innocent lives and restoring lasting peace and security across the North-East,” the statement added.
The latest operation is part of ongoing military efforts to defeat insurgency in the North-East region, where troops have battled terrorist groups for more than a decade.
Borno State, especially the Sambisa Forest area, has remained one of the major strongholds of insurgent groups linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province.
For years, the forest has served as a hideout for fighters who carry out attacks on military formations and civilian communities across parts of Borno and neighbouring states.
The insurgency in the North-East has led to thousands of deaths and displacement of millions of residents since it began in 2009.
Several communities were destroyed during the peak of the violence, while many schools, markets and public facilities were attacked.
Although Nigerian troops have regained control of many territories previously occupied by insurgents, attacks and ambushes still occur in some remote communities.
In response, the military has continued to intensify both ground and air operations aimed at eliminating remaining terrorist cells.
The Nigerian Air Force has played a major role in these operations through aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering and bombardment of identified camps.
Military authorities say air superiority has helped security forces disrupt the movement of insurgents and reduce their ability to launch large-scale attacks.
Operation Hadin Kai, the joint military task force operating in the North-East, has also continued coordinated offensives involving the Army, Air Force and other security agencies.
In recent months, the military has announced several successful operations targeting terrorist enclaves in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.
By targeting these structures, the military hopes to weaken the operational strength of insurgent groups and limit their capacity to regroup.
Despite the gains recorded by security forces, experts warn that the fight against insurgency remains challenging due to the difficult terrain and the ability of fighters to move across remote areas.
The Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas have long posed operational difficulties because of their vast landmass and thick vegetation.
However, military authorities insist that sustained aerial bombardments and coordinated ground assaults are gradually shrinking the operational space available to terrorists.
The Federal Government has repeatedly assured Nigerians that efforts are ongoing to completely end insurgency and restore normal life to affected communities in the North-East.
The government has also continued rehabilitation and resettlement programmes for displaced persons returning to communities liberated from insurgent control.
Residents in parts of Borno State have welcomed intensified military operations, expressing hope that sustained pressure on insurgents will improve security in the region.
Humanitarian organisations, however, continue to stress the need for adequate support for communities affected by years of conflict.
Many displaced families still depend on humanitarian assistance for food, shelter and medical care.
The renewed airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force are expected to further strengthen ongoing military operations as security agencies continue efforts to prevent insurgents from regrouping in the Sambisa axis and other parts of the North-East.