Ground troops, NAF Jets kill top ISWAP Commanders, over 100 terrorists in Lake Chad

.Eliminate three suspected bandits in Kaduna (page 3)

Top commanders of the ISWAP terrorists and their fighters have been eliminated in a major well-coordinated operation launched by ground troops of the Nigerian Army, supported by fighter jets of the Nigerian Air Force, NAF.

A defence intelligence source told PRNigeriathat troops, under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) launched surprise attacks from different fronts on the fringes of Sambisa Forest, in Bama axis.

“The operation was initiated by the Nigerian Army after actionable intelligence provided precise locations of the terrorist Commanders and their foot soldiers.

“Before the commencement of the operation, the Air Task Force deployed an alpha jet and Super Tucano to provide close air cover.

“The ground troops succeeded in shelling rockets targeting several hideouts and enclaves of the commanders and their fighters.

“The NAF Super Tucano aircraft bombarded fleeing terrorists in boats, while several other fighters were drowned at a river in Gabchari

“By yesteraday morning (Saturday) at least we have counted over 100 dead bodies of the terrorists during the clearance and mopping-up operations,” he source said.

When contacted on Sunday, NAF spokesperson told PRNigeria that he was in a church service, but restated the military operation is ongoing.

“We have upscaled our joint military operations in that axis. I will get back after the church service, please,” he told our correspondent.

Also, The Troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army Kaduna, have again neutralized bandits and terrorists along Sabon Birni, Dogondawa-Kuyelo and Farin Ruwa areas of Kaduna State.

The  Director, Army Public Relations Officer, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu confirmed the development in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Kaduna.

He said that the bandits were neutralized on Saturday as the troops continue to push on to clear the North West of banditry and terrorism.

Nwachukwu said the dogged and highly motivated troops, while on a fighting patrol, came in contact with the bandits.

“The troops in the ensuing shoot out, eliminated three of the terrorists and recovered two AK 47 rifles, nine  magazines, seven Baofeng communication radios, one Tecno mobile phone, 120 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition, one power generator and a motorcycle.

“The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen Faruk Yahaya has commended the troops for their gallantry and urged them not to relent until banditry is eradicated in the region.

“The General Officer Commanding (GOC),1 Division, Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has urged all law abiding citizens to continue to support the troops and other security agencies with credible and actionable information that would assist the troops in their operations against the criminal elements,” Nwachukwu said.