NAF launches operation rattle snake against terrorists in Borno

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says its Air Task Force (ATF), Operation Lafiya Dole, has launched operation rattle snake 3 against terrorists’ elements in the northeast of the country.

The air interdiction operation, which commenced Tuesday, 4 February 2020, will target selected locations within the northeast in order to further degrade the remnants of the terrorists as well as deny them freedom of action.

Director of NAF public relations and information air commodore Ibikunle Daramola, said air strikes by NAF attack aircraft resulted in the destruction of an Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) hideout as well as the neutralization of some of their fighters in the lake chad area of northern part of Borno state.

He added that the air strikes were executed following series of Intelligence, Surveillance And Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, indicating that ISWAP fighters were harboured in some buildings the settlement.

Ibikunle stated that the NAF will sustain its air campaign to shape the battle space in the northeast for the effective conduct of further ground and air operations.

Meanwhile, president Muhammadu Buhari will induct the newly acquired 109 power and MI-171e combat helicopters procured for the NAF on Thursday 6 February 2020.

A statement by NAF headquarters says the induction ceremony of 2 Agusta 109 power helicopters and an MI-171e combat helicopter will take place at the eagle square, Abuja by 10:00 am.