By Abraham Olatunbosun
The military component of Operation Hadin Kai has recorded new successes in the ongoing anti-terrorism war in Nigeria’s North-east, METROWATCH online newspaper has gathered.
We gathered that after days of uncertainty as to the ranking and calibre of terrorists eliminated in a planned air strike undertaken on 15 February 2022 around the Lake Tchad Tumbun areas by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, it has now been confirmed that a top ISWAP commander, Mallam Buba Danfulani, was among the 21 terrorists neutralised in the strike.
We can establish that prior to the execution of the mission, intelligence had established that terrorist training camps were located at Tumbun Kaiyowa and Tumbun Allura and the locations were believed to be the most active with ISWAP/Boko Haram activities.’
Intelligence source told us that “This became evident after it was further established that projectiles fired on Nigerian Army locations in Mallam Fatori emanated from the two locations.
“Consequently, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai deployed some aircraft to the location to degrade the insurgents’ capabilities in order to prevent future attacks on troops and friendly location while ensuring success of ongoing operations.”
He added that “Accordingly, the aircraft were deployed for air interdiction at the locations and attacked the target at TUMBUN KAIYOWA with bombs after which the location was observed to be in flames while few survivals were seen scampering for safety.”
It was also revealed that “Another aircraft was redirected to attack TUMBUN ALLURA with rockets and cannons.
“Although the mission was adjudged successful and 21 terrorists eliminated, there was uncertainty as to the rank and status of terrorists killed in the operations.
“However, intelligence intercepted of late revealed that the air strikes took out 21 terrorists, including a top Commander, Buba Danfulani, along the fringes of Lake Tchad in Borno State.”
The source further explained that “Malam Buba Danfulani was a senior ISWAP Commander (Amir), saddled with indoctrinating Fulanis and herdsmen who joined ISWAP terrorists.
“He also coordinated activities of the terrorists ranging from deployment of spies as well as tax collection.
“It is strongly believed that his demise is a huge blow to ISWAP and will affect the strength of the economy and financial dynamics of ISWAP.
“Similarly, it has now been revealed that air interdiction missions undertaken by NAF aircraft in Sambisa on 11 February 2022 has resulted in the elimination of some key terrorists’ kingpins.
“Having identified Parisu and Njimia as the most active terrorists’ locations within Sambisa Forest, coordinated air interdiction missions were authorized.
“Using a mix of three different aircraft types, the two locations were attacked with bomb with the expected action realized.
“While intelligence revealed that several terrorists were neutralized, recent information received has further identified five key terrorists’ leaders that were also killed in the airstrike.
“They include Musa Amir Jaish, Mahd Maluma, Abu-Ubaida, Abu-Hamza and Abu-Nura umarun Leni.”
Calls to the NAF Spokesman, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, for confirmation of both the outcome of the Tumbun and Sambisa Forest airstrikes were yet to be returned at the time of filing this report.
The elimination of these number of high-ranking terrorists will surely send a strong signal to the terrorists operating in the Northeast that the change in the fortunes of terrorists elements and their likes isn’t accidental.
Rather this is attributed to the renewed vigour that the armed forces of Nigeria and other security agencies have brought to bare in the counterinsurgency operation.
