Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded another major operational success against terrorists in Borno State, following a coordinated air interdiction under the joint task force, Operation HADIN KAI.
The air strikes were carried out at Abbaga Jiri, a known terrorist enclave within the Timbuktu Triangle, after credible intelligence confirmed the presence of active terrorist elements, structures, and concealed logistics facilities in the area.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the operation was intelligence-driven and involved the deployment of NAF air assets for both surveillance and precision strike missions.
According to him, the decision to strike followed multi-source intelligence that validated terrorist activity and infrastructure within the location.
Following the intelligence confirmation, NAF platforms were employed in integrated surveillance and precision attack roles, effectively engaging identified targets linked to terrorist operations.
> “The operation was deliberately designed to degrade terrorist capability, deny sanctuary, and shape the battlespace for ground forces, in strict adherence to established rules of engagement and the protection of non-combatants,” the statement read in part.
Reacting to the success of the mission, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said the operation underscored the Nigerian Air Force’s determination to dominate the air space in support of joint military operations.
> “This operation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to delivering precise and decisive airpower in support of ground forces. We will continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement, sanctuary, and logistics wherever they seek to hide,” Aneke said.
He explained that the air strikes effectively dismantled terrorist infrastructure and disrupted hostile movements within the area.
> “The identified terrorist structures were decisively engaged and destroyed, denying the terrorists freedom of action, while a follow-up engagement neutralised armed elements observed converging on the location,” he added.
According to the Air Force chief, ground troops later advanced into the area and confirmed the impact of the air operations.
> “Subsequent advances by ground troops into the area confirmed the effectiveness of the air strikes and validated the success of the joint air–land operation,” he said.
Reaffirming the Air Force’s commitment to sustained counterterrorism efforts, Air Marshal Aneke stressed that NAF operations would remain continuous, precise, and intelligence-led.
> “Our operations are carefully planned and intelligence-led, ensuring maximum effect on hostile elements while safeguarding innocent civilians. The Nigerian Air Force will sustain pressure until terrorist networks are completely dismantled,” he added.
