NAF intensifies strikes on Boko Haram targets in North East

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has increased the tempo of air strikes on Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) targets in the north east in a renewed operation codenamed ‘Operation Gama Aiki,’ Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, Director of Public Relations and Information said in a statement on Sunday.

The new phase of offensive by the NAF is an integral part of the ongoing counter insurgency operation and a follow-up to ‘Operation  Crackdown’ which was launched some months ago with the sole objective of taking over the Sambisa Forest and other BHT strongholds.

The operation is a collaboration between Nigerian military 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 BHT that relocated northward from the south as a result of Operation Crackdown.

The statement said that since commencement of the operation some days ago, NAF had intensified air operations in the northeast. “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 undertaking 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.”