By Victor Akaa
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) conducted a successful airstrike on October 25, 2024, targeting Boko Haram terrorists in Bula Marwa, Borno State.
Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, Director Public Relations and Information NAF, in a statement said the operation was initiated after Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR missions identified heightened terrorist activity in the area, including an influx of motorcycles and combatant gatherings.
He said NAF fighter jets were deployed to the location, capturing footage of suspected terrorists assembling on 12 motorcycles.
The motorcycles led to a primary meeting point where additional terrorists were waiting. Airstrikes were executed, effectively engaging the target area and neutralizing several terrorists.
He said follow-up strikes were conducted after ISR aircraft observed terrorists returning to assess damage and evacuate wounded combatants.
According to the Director, further ISR operations identified another terrorist gathering under a large tree, prompting a precision airstrike that achieved a direct hit and neutralized numerous terrorists.
“Having identified Bula Marwa as a high-level meeting site for Boko Haram’s notorious figures, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions further confirmed heightened terrorist activity, revealing an influx of motorcycles and gatherings of combatants across the site.
“Consequently, NAF fighter jets were dispatched to the location for an air interdiction mission. On arrival, ISR footage captured suspected terrorists assembling at a rendezvous point on 12 motorcycles.
“The motorcycles were then traced to a primary meeting location where additional terrorists had been waiting. Accordingly, the first airstrike was executed, effectively engaging the target area. Moments later, ISR aircraft loitering in the vicinity observed several terrorists returning to assess the damage and evacuate their wounded combatants. In response, NAF air assets conducted follow-up strikes, neutralizing additional terrorists.
“Building on the success of the initial mission, additional ISR was conducted in the area the same day, identifying another group of terrorists gathering under a large tree at a second meeting site.
“Upon verification, NAF air assets launched a precision airstrike on this location, achieving a direct hit and neutralizing numerous terrorists.” the statement read in parts.
