Nigerian Air Force aircraft has successfully destroyed a suspected Boko Haram Improvised Explosive Device factory in Borno State.
The operation was part of the ongoing Operation Hadin Kai.
According to a statement from the Air Force spokesman, AVM Edward Gabkwet, the airstrikes were carried out on August 2, 2024. The targets were located in Grazah, deep in the Mandara Hills.
Gabkwet explained, “The airstrikes were conducted after intelligence reports revealed the presence of a possible IED factory and storage area for other logistics.” He added that the factory had previously been relocated from Gwoza to Timbuktu Triangle in Sambisa Forest before finally settling in Grazah.
The frequent movement of the IED factory was due to the intense military pressure on Boko Haram by Operation Hadin Kai, which has led to numerous successful strikes against the terrorists’ positions.
Gabkwet noted that the Grazah location had been under surveillance for weeks. “Various installations were observed, and activities of armed terrorists in the area were consistent with those protecting a strategic location,” he said.
During the operation, two gun trucks were also spotted near the suspected IED factory. Gabkwet stated, “These findings necessitated an air strike to destroy the suspected IED factory and neutralize the terrorists.”
The aftermath of the airstrike was marked by a thick cloud of smoke, indicating that the IED factory and the two gun trucks were destroyed. “Several terrorists were also neutralized,” Gabkwet confirmed.
