An Air Force attack helicopter

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said on Sunday that it has increased the tempo of air strikes in the northeast Nigeria against the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) in an operation codenamed OPERATION GAMA AIKI.

Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, director of information and public relations of NAF said the new phase of offensive which is an integral part of the ongoing counterinsurgency operation and a follow-up to OPERATION CRACKDOWN launched some months ago with the sole objective of taking over the Sambisa Forest and other Boko Haram strongholds.

“OPERATION GAMA AIKI is a follow-up to OPERATION CRACKDOWN that was terminated few days ago. It is a collaboration between own Surface Forces and the Multi National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to rid northern Borno, particularly the area around the Lake Chad Basin, of the remnants of BHTs that relocated northward from the south as a result of OPERATION CRACKDOWN.

“The NAF, since commencement of OPERATION GAMA AIKI few days ago, has intensified air operations in the northeast.

“As usual, the NAF is undertaking both independent and coordinated offensive air operations including Air Interdiction, Closed Air Support and Armed Reconnaissance to shape the battle space and provide safe environment for Surface Forces to operate.

“Other operations undertaking by the NAF include combat air support missions comprising Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Logistics Resupply, Medical Evacuation and liaison missions within the theatre of operation. The overall objective of the ongoing air campaign is to make Nigeria a safe place again,” said Group Captain Famuyiwa.