Defence Headquarters says the Air Task Force (ATF) of ‘Operation LAFIYA DOLE’ has scored a precise hit on a Boko Haram meeting venue and neutralised several terrorists at Mainyakare on the fringes of the Sambisa Forest in Borno State.

Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, in a statement on Friday, said the air interdiction mission was executed on July 2, to mark the launch of subsidiary ‘Operation LONG REACH II’.

Enenche said the air attack was sequel to series of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions which established that a prominent building in the middle of the settlement was being used as a meeting venue, where the terrorists plan and launch attacks as well as house some fighters.

He said the Air Task Force (ATF) subsequently dispatched a force package of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets to attack the location.

According to him, the first jet in the first wave of attack recorded a precision bomb strike on the designated target, completely destroying it.

“Other compounds, which were also designated for destruction, were taken out by subsequent passes of the NAF fighter jets. Many of the terrorists were also killed as a result of the air strikes.

“The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who is in Maiduguri to personally oversee the conduct of ‘Operation LONG REACH II’ has commended the Air Task Force (ATF) for their dedication, dexterity and professionalism.

“The Defence Headquarters equally, urges them to intensify the air offensive against the terrorists and all other criminal elements threatening the peace and security of our beloved country,” he said.

In a related development, the acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Brig. Gen. Abdullahi Ibrahim, has urged traders in Maiduguri markets to unmask Boko Haram members sneaking to buy items in the markets.

 Ibrahim, who is also the commander Sector 1 of ‘Operation Lafiya Dole’ made the call on Friday while addressing traders at the Maiduguri Timber and Fish Market who trooped out to show solidarity with soldiers for embarking on a sanitation exercise in the market.

 “If you help us to expose them, I can assure you that it will facilitate the end of this insecurity affecting Borno State and the north -east in general,” he said.

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The GOC noted that the sanitation embarked upon in the market was part of activities for the week-long Nigeria Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).