The Nigerian Air Force has killed more than 50 insurgents following precision airstrikes on fleeing fighters after a deadly assault on Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The air operation, carried out by the air component of Operation Hadin Kai, targeted terrorists linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) as they attempted to retreat after attacking a Nigerian Army artillery position in the border community.
Security sources said the insurgents launched a coordinated evening assault on March 3, attempting to overrun military positions in Ngoshe, located near the Cameroon border. Troops reportedly carried out a tactical withdrawal while reinforcements were mobilised, allowing air assets to engage the fleeing fighters.
Intelligence from ground troops guided the airstrikes, which hit clusters of insurgents along their escape routes. Initial battle damage assessments indicated that more than 50 terrorists were neutralised during the strikes that lasted for about an hour.
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned the attack, expressing sorrow over the loss of both civilian and military lives.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the incident as a senseless act of violence against innocent citizens.
Tinubu also acknowledged reports that some casualties occurred during the aerial operation while targeting fleeing insurgents, describing the incident as regrettable.
The President commended the swift response of the armed forces and directed security agencies to intensify operations to rescue abducted victims and strengthen protection for vulnerable communities in the North-East.
He urged residents of the region not to give in to fear, assuring that the government remains committed to defeating insurgency and restoring lasting security.