NAF airstrikes neutralize IPOB, forestall planned attack

In two separate incidents, operatives of The Nigerian Air Force have reportedly struck hideouts of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, forestalling planned attacks on innocent citizens in Anambra State.

IPOB is a terrorist group in Nigeria advocating the independence of the people of Biafra predominantly in the North-Eastern Nigeria.

The Nigerian Air Force says in different recent operations, air strikes from its fighter jets destroyed several camps of the IPOB in the South-East and North-Eastern parts of the country adding that the operations were separately carried out by some of its personnel attached to Operations Delta Safe and Hadin Kai on August 11.

Disclosing the development in a statement issued on Sunday, NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said intelligence showed that the neutralized IPOB fighters were planning to attack innocent residents in Anambra when its fighter jet stormed the fighters’ camp.

IPOB had recently ordered a sit-at-home in the South-Eastern part of the country, preventing business men and women from going about their day-to-day endeavours.

But according to the NAF spokesperson, footage from the North-East air raid revealed that many terrorists were neutralised and structures destroyed.

Gabkwet stated that the raided terrorists were suspectedly survivors of some earlier raids by security operatives several months ago.

He noted that terrorists had fled from locations around Lake Chad after the areas were discovered and persistently struck by NAF aircraft.

His statement read; “On August 11, 2023 air strikes were extended to a well-known IPOB camp in Orsumoghu in the Ihiala LGA of Anambra State. Intelligence had revealed that IPOB elements in makeshift camps were sighted preparatory to an impending attack on innocent citizens, hence, the need to effectively engage them. The strike was subsequently carried out and deemed successful.”

“Similar air strikes were also carried out the same day by the air component of Operation Hadin Kai at a location about 1.5km East of Arra, a once-deserted terrorists’ hideout near Sambisa forest.

“Earlier reconnaissance on the location had revealed terrorists massing up at the location which had hitherto been cleared of terrorists’ activities about six months ago.

“There were strong indications that these terrorists had fled from locations around Lake Chad after the areas came under intense bombardment by NAF aircraft. The location east of Arra was consequently attacked to decimate the terrorists and deny them from settling at the location and using the same as a staging point.

“Footage of the aftermath of the strike later revealed it was successful as several terrorists were neutralised and structures destroyed, while the few surviving terrorists were seen scampering away in disarray. In the end, their ability to attack friendly forces as well as innocent civilians was degraded,” the statement added.

In the Niger Delta Region, Gabkwet said air strikes were targeted at the nefarious activities of oil thieves.

“As a follow-up to previous air raid missions undertaken, NAF aircraft, under Operation Delta Safe, on 11 August 2023, conducted air interdiction missions at an illegal refining site situated in the South-West of Bille, a coastal town in the Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State,” he added.