By FOLUSHO ALADE, ABUJA
Air strikes from the Air task force of Operation Hail Storm has eliminated key ISWAP leaders in parts of Kirta Wulgo and Sabon Wulgo, Borno state in a clearance Operation.
According to a report by the Defence Media Operations (DMO), scores of fighters were also eliminated.
The report contained in a Press release by the DMO, signed by its Coordinator, MAJ GEN JOHN ENENCHE said the air strikes carried out on the 24th of August 2020 targeted Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements operating in the Island settlements of the Lake Chad in the Northern part of Borno State.
The statement read in full said: “The Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has taken another major scalp off the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements operating in the Island settlements of the Lake Chad in the Northern part of Borno State. This occurred yesterday, 24 August 2020, in massive simultaneous air strikes executed under the subsidiary Operation HAIL STORM at Kirta Wulgo and Sabon Tumbun, 2 settlements on the fringes of the Lake, where several key ISWAP leaders and scores of their fighters were killed.
“The missions were conducted on the heels of credible Human Intelligence (HUMINT) reports indicating that some ISWAP leaders and fighters had relocated to Sabon Tumbun due to the impact of the recent air strikes at the nearby Island settlement of Tumbuma Baba. Similarly, up to 15 high ranking ISWAP Commanders along with scores of their fighters were harboured at Kirta Wulgo, which serves as Administrative Headquarters and training camp for ISWAP.
“Accordingly, the Air Task Force dispatched an enhanced force package of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets and helicopter gunships to attack the 2 locations scoring devastating hits leading to the elimination of several of the terrorists. Prominent terrorists’ leaders, including Abu Imraana, ISWAP Naval Commander, as well as Mallam Ibrahim and Mallam Abba, are believed to be among the many ISWAP casualties”, the statement said.
