Nigerian troops have launched devastating air and ground assaults on Boko Haram in a final push to liberate and secure the few North-East communities still in the grip of the terrorists.

Director of Defecne Information, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, said this evening: “Air Force pounding of identified terrorists hideouts is continuing in some locations in Yobe and Borno states as part of ongoing campaign against terror.”

The Defence Spokesman said in a short statement in Abuja that “several sorties are being flown either in conjunction with ongoing ground assault by troops or to dislodge any concentration of terrorists as follow up to intelligence reports.”

“Simultaneous mopping up operations are also ongoing in the areas already operated upon by Nigerian Air Force have already been mopped up,” he added.

•Photo courtesy of Defence Headquarters shows a Nigerian attack helicopter en route to an operation against Boko Haram terrorists.