Military destroys terrorists’ hideouts, kill scores in Lake Chad

The Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole has killed several Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements and destroyed their hideouts at Tudun Wulgo and Tumbun Gini on the fringes of Lake Chad in Borno State.

John Enenche, Coordinator of Defence Media Operations (DMO) who disclosed this in Abuja, said the feat was achieved after series of aerial surveillance missions indicated that the two locations were being used as staging areas where some ISWAP leaders and their fighters meet to plan and launch attacks.

“Accordingly, the Air Task Force dispatched a force package of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets and helicopter gunships to engage the two locations. The attack aircraft scored devastating hits in the target areas, destroying some structures and neutralizing several of the terrorists”, he said.

Meanwhile, Enenche said the Military fostered several peace meetings amongst the various ethnic groups in Benue and Nasarawa States as part of it’s concerted Civil Military Cooperation (CMIC) activities which was carried out by the Headquarters of Operation Whirl Stroke.

“Notably, peace and security meetings were held at Adaka in Makurdi Local

Government Area, Anguhwa and Jimba in Gwer West Local Government Area and Gbeji in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State. The meetings were attended by various stakeholders in the area”, the Coordinator said.

He added that the Headquarters also conducted a medical outreach at Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS) Camp at Anyin Community in Loko Town, Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

Enenche disclosed that several items including mosquito nets were distributed to the IDPS while they were reassured of their safety.

“Troops also visited Umenger Community Primary School where items including exercise books, pencils, ball pens as well as refreshments were distributed to the students.

“The medical outreach was also extended to Awe and Keana Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State. Teaching aids including books and pens were equally donated to the pupils at Tunga Central School in Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, while items such as noodles, diapers, disinfectants, detergents and other toiletries were distributed to individuals at the Primary Healthcare Centre at Giza in Keana Local Government Area of Nasarawa”, the Army General said.