The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified the aerial bombardments of Sambisa Forest, Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Dele Alonge, said yesterday

“The F-7 fighter aircraft carried out interdiction mission over designated targets and suspected Boko Haram locations. Also, the Alpha Jet carried out armed reconnaissance and attack some moving vehicles belonging to BHT. While, the Mi -24 and Mi-35 attack helicopters further carried out interdiction mission at some identified targets all in Sambisa Forest.

"Furthermore, the ATR-42 and Diamond-142 surveillance aircraft continued with their ISR missions over Damasak, Alafia and Sambisa forest where some abandoned vehicles belonging to the terrorists were seen at some locations in the forest,” the NAF Spokesman said in a statement issued in Abuja.

Alonge said that the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, has reiterated his assurances to all Nigerians that the air assault would continue until total victory is achieved.

He also disclosed that, as part of his new strategy to tackle the Boko Haram terrorist group in the North East, the Chief of Air Staff has authorised the immediate establishment of a 2-Level Hospital at the largest Internally Displaced Persons Camp (IDP) in Maiduguri, capital of Borno State.

According to Alonge, “In addition to the establishment of the Hospital, the Air Chief also ordered the construction of a borehole to service the hospital and other people within the camp. It would be recalled that the National Security Adviser (NSA) Maj Gen Babagana Monguno(rtd) accompanied by the Service Chiefs visited several IDP Camps in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States including Dalori Camp last week where it was observed that the elderly men, women and children were in dare need of more healthcare and water supply.

"Consequently, the Chief of Air Staff gave the NAF Director of Medical Services the marching order to establish a hospital with full complements to enhance the IDP healthcare needs.”

•Photo shows NAF jets about to depart for an operation.

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