NAF Says Airstrikes Neutralise Scores of Terrorists, Destroy Enclave in Borno

By Daniel Othegbemeh

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says its Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI has carried out precision airstrikes on a terrorist enclave in the Yaganari area of Borno State, destroying key infrastructure and neutralising several terrorists.

The operation, conducted on Friday, July 10, targeted the Yaganari enclave in the Gezuwa general area of the state after intelligence reports indicated renewed terrorist activity and a concentration of fighters in the location.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions confirmed the presence of terrorist structures and logistics hubs before the strikes were authorised.

He said the precision airstrikes successfully destroyed the identified targets, including logistics facilities and other infrastructure used by the terrorists, while several fighters were neutralised during the operation.

According to the Air Force, the latest strike forms part of ongoing efforts under Operation HADIN KAI to degrade terrorist capabilities and prevent insurgents from regrouping in the North-East.

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Operation HADIN KAI is the Nigerian military’s counter-insurgency campaign in the North-East, where air and ground forces conduct coordinated operations against terrorist groups operating across the region.

Ejodame said the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led air power in supporting ground forces and disrupting terrorist activities in areas where insurgents attempt to establish safe havens.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, commended the personnel involved in the mission for their professionalism and dedication, reaffirming the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups.

He also assured Nigerians that the Air Force would continue to work closely with other components of the Armed Forces to identify, track and eliminate terrorist threats while consolidating gains recorded in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign.

The Nigerian Air Force did not report any civilian casualties in connection with the operation.

The latest operation underscores the military’s continued reliance on intelligence-driven air and ground operations as part of efforts to restore peace and improve security across Nigeria’s North-East.

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