VIDEOS: How NAF, Allied Forces Bombard Boko Haram Terrorists in Baga

VIDEO:

VIDEO: How NAF, Allied Forces Bombard Boko Haram
Terrorists in Baga
See Video 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTTW9RA8YlQ
Video2 Link: https://youtu.be/iAD7TBO7ZcQ^[1][2]

The Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has
neutralized several Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP)
fighters at their hideout near Baga in Northern Borno State. The
attack was conducted yesterday, 29 December 2018, after a Nigerian
Air Force (NAF) Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)
platform spotted the terrorists assembled under some trees around
the Fish Dam near Baga.

The ATF, therefore, dispatched an Alpha Jet aircraft to attack
the location. The aircraft multiple attack passes, killing several
of the terrorists and causing serious injuries to others. The
surviving terrorists were mopped-up in subsequent follow on
strikes.

The Previous Press Release: Meanwhile, it may
be recalled that the Headquarters 7 Brigade Multinational Joint
Task Force (MNJTF) Baga came under attack by members of the Islamic
State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) on the evening of 26 December
2018.

Upon receipt of the information of the attack, the Air Task
Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE immediately dispatched a
Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Intelligence Surveillance and
Reconnaissance (ISR) platform along with 2 Mi-35M Helicopter
Gunships to provide support for the troops to repel the attack. The
NAF ISR aircraft, which was overhead the troops location as at
7.15pm, also worked closely with a Nigerien Air Force and another
allied ISR aircraft that were also in the operation area at the
time of the attack.

The ISR platforms were in contact with the ground troops and
assisted in directing their fire against the terrorists, while the
helicopter gunships engaged the terrorists at isolated locations
destroying some of their vehicles and neutralizing some
fighters.

The ATF also provided support for Nigerian Army (NA) and
Nigerian Navy (NN) troops at the Naval Base at Doron Baga, which
equally came under attack by ISWAP fighters on the morning of 27
December 2018.

The ATF deployed 2 ISR platforms, 2 Helicopter Gunships and 2
Alpha Jet aircraft to provide ISR and close air support to the
troops. After establishing communication with the ground troops,
the location of the terrorists was ascertained and engaged by the
Alpha Jet aircraft.

The NAF and allied ISR platforms also spotted 2 ISWAP vehicles
heading southwards from Baga and vectored the Alpha Jet aircraft to
attack the vehicles, completely destroying one of them and
neutralizing the occupants.

In order to enhance the quality of coordination between the air
and ground operations, the Theatre Commander and Maritime Component
Commander were carried onboard the ISR platform during one of the
flights.

In all, the ATF conducted 20 missions in 21 sorties with a total
of about 39 hours flown on 26 and 27 December in support of
operations in Baga general area. A short video clip showing
highlights of the support provided on 26 and 27 December 2018,
along with a Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) video showing parts of
the successful attack on the terrorists’ vehicles, is attached.

The NAF appreciates the existing synergy with our gallant
surface forces as well as our Regional Allies in adding value to
our collective efforts to protect our territory and people.

It would also be highly appreciated if the attached short video
clip, which is now declassified, is shown to the general public for
them to witness parts of the operations.

IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force