Nigerian air force strikes terrorist groups

Originally published in Persecution.org

The Nigerian Air Force recently conducted airstrikes against extremist groups in the Lake Chad Basin including Boko Haram/Islamic States of West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Fulani militants.

The Nigerian Air Force confirmed terrorist activities against civilians and “obliterated the terrorists’ hideouts and destroyed their structures and strategic logistics base in the region” according to a statement by Edward Gabkwet, an officer with the Nigerian Air Force.

Nigeria is still one of the few countries in West Africa stable enough to make headway against terrorists. While multiple groups still wage daily violence against Nigerians, specifically Christians, the government has pushed back against extremists as shown by the air force strike.

Neighboring countries including Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and others have all faced recent coup attempts, leading to an increased presence of Islamist extremists. The attacks by the Nigerian Air Force occurred where rebels were seen in armored vehicles, and leaders were confirmed dead after the strike.

“The determination of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to significantly limit the activities of terrorists in the Northeast and indeed other parts of Nigeria remains on course,” said the statement. “Operational gains by the AFN are indicative of improved synergy and cooperation by all security agencies as well as the unwavering support of all Nigerians.”

Nigeria still has a long way to go to protect religious freedom. Currently in consideration for a Country of Particular Concern designation by the United States Department of International Religious Freedom, Nigeria is considered among the most difficult countries to live as a Christian.

With a failure to recognise conflicts such as those perpetuated by Fulani militants, Christians face daily persecution often met with non-responses from the government.

Latest terrorist atrocities reported in Nigeria include the murder of 11 Christians in Plateau state on Sunday October 11, and a report on a year-long terror campaign in Kaduna state.

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