The Defence Headquarters has dismissed media reports making the rounds in social media, alleging that the “Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI on Sunday 26 September 2021, killed 20 fishermen in air strikes at Kwatan Daban Masara general area in the fringes of the Lake Tchad Borno State.
According to the acting Director Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Bernard Onyeuko the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI on 26 September 2021, acting on credible actionable intelligence on the activities of terrorists in an identified ISWAP Camp at the said location, conducted air strikes on the target.
He added that it was after careful Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance missions revealed the activities of ISWAP elements in the location. Consequently, the intelligence gathered was processed and carefully analyzed between the period of 19 August and 23 September 2021.
Onyeuko said persons wearing combat vests and uniforms identified as ISWAP-styled uniforms were seen within the camp, adding that neither women nor children were noticed in or around the camp, just as no fishing activities were seen.
He said canoes loaded with unidentified items were seen parked but not engaged in any fishing activity, an indication that they were to be ferried to another location.
Onyeuko said having carefully ascertained that nearby civilian settlements were not in the line of fire and a precision strike would disrupt ISWAP logistics movement and neutralize them.
He said a decision was made to conduct a strike on the ISWAP camp and no casualty figures could not be ascertained, as the strike was verified to be successful in disrupting ISWAP logistics movement and foot soldiers.
He further stated that the location is a well-known ISWAP enclave and there is an existing ban on fishing activities within the area.
Onyeuko said the general area is known as a gateway for movement of logistics by ISWAP elements especially from Kirta and Wulgo locations.
He also stated that necessary steps were taken to ensure that the presence of the terrorists was ascertained and the strike was precise and professionally executed.
Onyeuko said the Military High Command will continue to ensure that its troops safe guard lives and properties of innocent citizens. He appreciates the general public for their continuous support and further encourages all to avail the military with credible and timely information that will facilitate our proactive engagements in the fight against terrorism.
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