The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has sustained its counter-terrorism offensive with precision airstrikes that destroyed terrorists’ structures and logistic hubs in the Mandara Mountains area of Borno.

This was contained in a statement by the NAF Director, Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Ejodame stated that the strikes, conducted on April 27 at Guduf, targeted a known terrorists’ enclave following credible intelligence and confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

He said NAF air assets identified multiple structures used by insurgents for logistics and coordination before executing a coordinated Air Interdiction operation.

He added that the targets were engaged with precision, leading to destruction of key infrastructure supporting the terrorists’ activities in the area.

“The operation significantly degraded the operational capability of the terrorists and reinforced ongoing efforts to deny them freedom of action,” he said.

Ejodame noted that the mission was carried out in strict compliance with rules of engagement, with due consideration for the protection of civilians and the environment.

He reiterated NAF’s commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorists’ elements and supporting broader military operations to restore peace and security in the North-East.

Troops of 82 Division and Joint Task Force South East (OPUK) have apprehended a suspected member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) and recovered Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) during clearance operations in Imo.

This was contained in an operational report on Monday in Abuja.

The reports said the suspect, identified as Onyebuchi Dara (28), from Etinasa community in Orsu Local Government Area, was arrested at Ehioma Junction following actionable intelligence linked to earlier attacks on security personnel.

The report said the suspect had previously benefitted from an amnesty programme but went underground after reportedly fearing attacks from a suspected armed group leader known as “Gentle the Yahoo”.

“Preliminary interrogation indicated that the suspect allegedly admitted being present during the killing of two soldiers, retired MWO Linus Musa and Pte Gloria Matthew, at Ubaha–Orsu in 2022.

“He is currently in custody as investigations continue to track other suspects and dismantle remaining cells in the area.

“In a related operation, troops conducting clearance operations along the Akwu–Udah axis discovered five Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in an area abandoned for years.

“The devices were safely neutralised by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) experts at designated coordinates, preventing potential harm to troops and civilians.

“Troops also recovered military and vigilante uniforms, boots and other items suspected to be used for impersonation and operational support by criminal elements,” it said.

The report further revealed that operations in the area were ongoing as part of sustained efforts to degrade hostile networks and restore security in the South-East.

A retired Aeronautic Engineer of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Taiwo Badru, has expressed confidence in the ability of the super puma helicopter discharging its duties in the fight against insurgency.

Badru, who spoke in Lagos on Monday, commended the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, for the innovation of the helicopter and vision for NAF.

The Nigerian Air Force reactivated the super puma helicopter in February, after three years.

The veteran said that many of the engineers were licensed engineers from the Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna, providing them the needed knowledge and skill set, to maintain the aircraft overtime.

“I will refer to myself as one of the pioneer maintenance engineers of the helicopter because the helicopter was acquired in 1988, the same year I acquired training in France.

“I did my training and got my licence on the helicopter and gathered much experience when the helicopter was deployed to Sierra Leone for ECOMOG operation in 1990.

“I was also called upon to work on the helicopter before it was reactivated and gave the present engineers hands-on training; that is why I am confident in their abilities,” he said.

Badru urged officers to remain motivated and focused on their craft, adding that through local ingenuity, they would be able to handle and maintain the helicopter with little help from foreign partners.

The veteran said that in aviation, if one flew a particular piece of equipment for six months, the person would be required to go for a recurrence.

He defined a recurrency training (or recurrent training) as a mandatory, periodic instruction for professionals, particularly in aviation, to maintain skills, ensure safety compliance, and update knowledge on procedures.

“Pilots and cabin crew use this training to refresh knowledge on emergency procedures, aircraft systems, and regulations to stay current,” he said.