Source YEN

BORNO, Nigeria: The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has carried out an air strike on Boko Haram locations in Daban Masara and Dawashi, two communities in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

According to NAF, the operation was conducted on Sunday by the air component of Operation Hadin Kai following intelligence reports on the presence of a terrorist workshop and movements linked to armed elements in the area.

NAF stated that the strike targeted identified locations and vehicles associated with the terrorists, leading to the neutralisation of some of the fighters.

However, findings by YERWA EXPRESS NEWS indicate that civilians were also affected during the operation.

A source familiar with the incident, who requested anonymity, told our reporter that five civilian drivers were killed during the air strike.

The source said the victims had gone to Daban Masara to transport fish to nearby markets when the incident occurred.

'Daban Masara is a fishing community, and people go there to fish and load processed fish for transport, even though the area is not safe because terrorists collect taxes from fishermen,' the source said.

According to him, the air strike happened at a time when armed terrorists were present in the area.

'The aircraft arrived when the terrorists were there to collect taxes from fishermen and opened fire leading to the loss of five civilian drivers and undisclosed number terrorists.

'They were armed, and that was when the air strike occurred,' he said.

The source added that five civilian vehicles and three gun trucks linked to the terrorists were destroyed, while several other civilians sustained injuries.