The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has continued to provide active support to ensure success of Operation YANCIN TAFKI, the joint multi-national operation aimed at routing remnants of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the Lake Chad Basin area.
NAF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms and Alpha Jet attack aircraft, working in synergy with ISR platforms and attack aircraft from the Nigerien Air Force, supported surface troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to pursue and decimate fleeing ISWAP fighters around Tumbun Rego area on the fringes of Lake Chad in the northern part of Borno State on 12 March 2019.
The effectiveness of interdiction and close air support missions conducted by the attack aircraft of the 2 countries facilitated the routing of the terrorists at Arege, resulting in the killing of 33 fighters, destruction of some terrorists’ equipment as well as the recovery of an array of weapons and equipment.
In a related development, the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has continued to provide airlift support to troops of participating national contingents of Operation YANCIN TAFKI. This has enhanced liaison between the various Commanders and facilitated visits to forward locations.
NAF ISR platforms and helicopters are also providing aerial command posts for enhanced coordination of close air support missions as well as fire control support for ground artillery bombardment of terrorists’ positions.
The NAF, operating in concert with allied air and surface forces, will continue to sustain its efforts to support all operations in the Northeast.
IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force