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Tag: Airstrikes

  • Airstrikes kill terrorist leader Munzir, others 

    Airstrikes kill terrorist leader Munzir, others 

    • Troops rescue106 kidnap victims, arrest 82 crime-suspects, destroy 20 illegal refineries, seize 30 oil thieves

    Strikes by the Air Component of Operation Hadi Kai, a military offensive against Boko Haram and its splinter groups, have resulted in the death of terrorist leader Munzir (aka Baa Yanziye) and several others in Northeast.

    The airstrikes, conducted in support of ground troops, were carried out during combined operations between January 1 and 15, targeting terrorist hideouts, logistics bases, and fleeing fighters.

     Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, stated this in an update on the military’s successes against terrorists and other non-state actors.

    According to Gen. Onoja, ground forces, in conjunction with the Air Component, hybrid forces, and security outfits, conducted aggressive operations in Gwoza, Konduga, Bama, Askira Uba, Chibok, Mafa, Guzamala, and Damboa local government areas of Borno State; Hong and Madagali local government areas of Adamawa State; and Damaturu and Gujba local government areas of Yobe State.

    He said: “During the encounters, scores of the terrorists were neutralised. Also, 34 of them were arrested, while 17 kidnap victims were rescued. The suspects and weapons recovered are in troops’ custody for further action.

    “Between January 1 to 3, 2026, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai conducted multiple air interdiction missions at Abirma, Chiralia, Guva in Timbuktu Triangle as well as Garin Mallam Iddirisa, Garin Abu Ayuba in Nduva, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State. Battle Damage Assessment, said that a well-known terrorist leader, Munzir (otherwise known as Baa Yanziye) was neutralised alongside others during the strikes.

    “Similarly, between January 8 to 13, 2026, multiple air interdiction were conducted at Abbagajiri in Timbuktu Triangle, while the component provided close air support to ground troops within Damasak, Megumeri, Gubio, Kereto, Binduldul, Matari, Gashagar and Gudumbali general areas of Borno State. Battle Damage Assessment showed that some selected targets were acquired and engaged with bombs and rockets accordingly.”

    In the Northwest, the Defence spokesperson said troops of Operation Fansan Yamma conducted offensive operations from January 1 to 15 in Anka, Bakura, Bungudu, Kaura Namoda, Maru, Maradun, Talata Mafara, Zurmi and Tsafe local government areas of Zamfara State; Kankara, Danmusa, Malumfashi and Matazu local government areas of Katsina State; Arewa and Shanga local government areas of Kebbi State; Binji, Gudu, Isa, Rabah, Sabon Birni, Tambuwal and Wurno local government areas of Sokoto State; and Borgu and Kontagora local government areas of Niger State, as well as Tsanyawa and Shanono local government areas of Kano State.

    Onoja said that during the operations, troops killed several terrorists and arrested nine others. He added that 52 kidnap victims were rescued, while a large cache of weapons was recovered from the terrorists.

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    “Between January 9 and 12, the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma conducted armed reconnaissance and air interdiction missions at Dutsen Magaji, Machata, and Kana Birniwa in Jigawa State, as well as Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

    “Accordingly, targets were acquired and engaged with rockets. Subsequent battle damage assessment revealed that scores of terrorists were neutralised, while their enclaves and logistics facilities were destroyed,” he said.

    The Defence spokesperson said the two ongoing operations in the Northcentral – Operation Endurance Peace and Whirl Stroke – achieved significant feats against terrorists/ extremists.

    According to him, troops of Operation Enduring Peace killed several terrorists/criminals, arrested 25 others, and rescued 14 kidnap victims during operations conducted between January 1 and 15 in Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Kanam, Mangu, Riyom, Jos East, Jos North, and Wase Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Plateau State, as well as Chikun, Jema’a, and Sanga local government areas of Kaduna State. While troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested the wife of a notorious bandit, John Gata, and eight suspected kidnappers, rescued 21 kidnap victims, and seized arms, ammunition, and other items from the suspected criminals.

    In the Niger Delta region, the Defence spokesperson said troops of Operation Delta Safe foiled oil theft worth over N53,752,100, comprising 63,200 litres of stolen crude oil and 19,300 litres of AGO. The troops also discovered and destroyed 20 illegal refining sites and arrested 31 oil thieves and other criminals, while assorted arms and ammunition were recovered.

    On the military offensive against Indigenous People of Biafra/ Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) in the Southeast, the military high command said troops arrested three IPOB/ESN members at Umunze Community in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    “Investigation revealed that they belong to Jukwese IPOB/ESN syndicate operating within the Umunze community in Orumba Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    “Similarly, a suspected notorious arms dealer was also arrested at his residence in Nteje, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State. Following his arrest, troops recovered a vehicle and two Samsung phones,” Onoja said.

    According to him, on January 1, the Air Component of Operation UDO KA provided close air support to the ground troops during a clearance operation at Ajalli Forest in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, where terrorists’ enclaves were identified within the thickly forested area and were set ablaze.

    “Also, on January 8 and 9, armed reconnaissance was conducted over Awo-Ommama, Eke-Ututu, Mbieri, Njaba, Orlu, Orsu West, Orsumoghu and Owerri as well as Nkalagu, Ishielu, Ohaukwu, Izzi and Abakaliki. During the missions, significant successes were recorded,” he said.

  • North East: Airstrikes kill terrorist leader, Munzir, others in 15 days

    North East: Airstrikes kill terrorist leader, Munzir, others in 15 days

    …troops rescue 106 kidnap victims

    ….arrest 82 terrorists/criminals

    …destroy 20 illegal refineries, arrest 30 oil thieves

    Strikes carried out by the Air Component of Operation Hadi Kai, a military offensive against Boko Haram and its splinter groups, have resulted in the death of terrorist leader Munzir (AKA Baa Yanziye) and several others in North East Nigeria.

    The airstrikes, conducted in support of ground troops, were carried out during combined operations between January 1 and 15, targeting terrorist hideouts, logistics bases, and fleeing fighters.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, revealed this in a statement on Monday as part of an update on the military’s successes against terrorists and other non-state actors.

    According to General Onoja, ground forces, in conjunction with the Air Component, hybrid forces, and local security outfits, conducted aggressive operations in Gwoza, Konduga, Bama, Askira Uba, Chibok, Mafa, Guzamala, and Damboa Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Borno State; Hong and Madagali LGAs of Adamawa State; and Damaturu and Gujba LGAs of Yobe State.

    He said, “During the encounters, scores of the terrorists were neutralized. Also, 34 of them were arrested, while 17 kidnap victims were rescued. The suspects and weapons recovered are in the troops’ custody for further action.

    “Between January 1 and 3, 2026, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted multiple air interdiction missions at Abirma, Chiralia, Guva in the Timbuktu Triangle, as well as Garin Mallam Iddirisa and Garin Abu Ayuba in the Nduva general area of Damboa LGA of Borno State. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that a well-known terrorist leader, Munzir (otherwise known as Baa Yanziye), was neutralized alongside many others during the strikes.”

    “Similarly, between 8 and 13 January 8 to 13, 2026, multiple air interdiction missions were conducted at Abbagajiri in Timbuktu Triangle, while the component provided close air support to ground troops within Damasak, Megumeri, Gubio, Kereto, Binduldul, Matari, Gashagar, and Gudumbali general areas of Borno State. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that some selected targets were acquired and engaged with bombs and rockets accordingly.”

    Giving an update on troop operations in the North West, the Defence spokesperson said that troops of Operation Fansan Yamma conducted offensive operations from January 1 to 15 in Anka, Bakura, Bungudu, Kaura Namoda, Maru, Maradun, Talata Mafara, Zurmi and Tsafe Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Zamfara State; Kankara, Danmusa, Malumfashi and Matazu LGAs of Katsina State; Arewa and Shanga LGAs of Kebbi State; Binji, Gudu, Isa, Rabah, Sabon Birni, Tambuwal and Wurno LGAs of Sokoto State; and Borgu and Kontagora LGAs of Niger State, as well as Tsanyawa and Shanono LGAs of Kano State.

    Onoja said that during the operations, troops killed several terrorists and arrested nine others. He added that 52 kidnap victims were rescued, while a large cache of weapons was recovered from the terrorists.

    “Between January 9 and 12, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted armed reconnaissance and air interdiction missions at Dutsen Magaji, Machata, and Kana Birniwa in Jigawa State, as well as Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

    “Accordingly, targets were acquired and engaged with rockets. Subsequent battle damage assessment revealed that scores of terrorists were neutralised, while their enclaves and logistics facilities were destroyed,” he said.

    Read Also: NAF airstrikes kill over 40 terrorists, disrupt planned attacks on civilians

    The Defence spokesperson said that the two ongoing operations in the North Central – Operation Endurance Peace and Whirl Stroke – achieved significant feats against terrorists/ extremists.

    According to him, troops of Operation Enduring Peace killed several terrorists/criminals, arrested 25 others, and rescued 14 kidnap victims during operations conducted between January 1 and 15 in Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Kanam, Mangu, Riyom, Jos East, Jos North, and Wase Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Plateau State, as well as Chikun, Jema’a, and Sanga LGAs of Kaduna State.

    While troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested the wife of a notorious bandit, John Gata, and eight suspected kidnappers, rescued 21 kidnap victims, and seized arms, ammunition, and other items from the suspected criminals.

    In the Niger Delta region, the Defence spokesperson said troops of Operation Delta Safe foiled oil theft worth over ₦53,752,100.00, comprising 63,200 litres of stolen crude oil and 19,300 litres of AGO. The troops also discovered and destroyed 20 illegal refining sites and arrested 31 oil thieves and other criminals, while assorted arms and ammunition were recovered.

    On the military offensive against Indigenous People of Biafra/ Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) in the South East, the military high command said troops arrested 3 IPOB/ESN members at Umunze Community in Orumba South LGA of Anambra State.

    “Investigation revealed that they belong to the Jukwese IPOB/ESN syndicate operating within the Umunze community in Orumba LGA of Anambra State.

    “Similarly, a suspected notorious arms dealer was also arrested at his residence in Nteje, Oyi LGA of Anambra State. Following his arrest, troops recovered a vehicle and two Samsung phones,” Onoja said.

    According to him, on January 1, the Air Component of Operation UDO KA provided close air support to the ground troops during a clearance operation at Ajalli Forest in Ezeagu LGA of Enugu State, where terrorists’ enclaves were identified within the thickly forested area and were set ablaze.

    “Also, on January 8 and 9, armed reconnaissance missions were conducted over Awo-Ommama, Eke-Ututu, Mbieri, Njaba, Orlu, Orsu West, Orsumoghu, and Owerri, as well as Nkalagu, Ishielu, Ohaukwu, Izzi, and Abakaliki general area. During the missions, significant successes were recorded,” he said. 

  • NAF: airstrikes neutralise 2,351 terrorists in 2025

    NAF: airstrikes neutralise 2,351 terrorists in 2025

    The Nigerian Air Force NAF says it neutralized 2,351 terrorists, including their leaders, through sustained, intelligence-driven operations nationwide, in 2025.

    It stated that these feats were achieved through 274 Air Interdiction (AI) missions totaling approximately 800 flight hours, conducted over 379 combat sorties, targeting terrorist strongholds, logistics hubs, training camps, and key mobility corridors.

    NAF’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, who revealed this in a statement on Wednesday, said the figures exclude hundreds of missions involving Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), close air support to surface forces, and armed reconnaissance operations.

    He noted that the precision strikes disrupted terrorists’ supply chains, severed mobility routes, and weakened leadership structures connecting enclaves in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions, denying hostile elements both freedom of movement and safe havens.

    “These effects enabled surface forces to advance, reclaim contested areas, and stabilise vulnerable communities, while significantly reducing the operational tempo and morale of terrorist and bandit groups. 

    “Overall, the campaign has resulted in a measurable contraction of hostile networks and a marked improvement in security across several previously threatened areas,” Ejodame said.

    According to him, in the maritime and energy security domain, air operations in the Niger Delta delivered equally strategic dividends, as targeted strikes led to the destruction of hundreds of illegal refining reservoirs, 126 storage tanks, and several boats used by oil thieves and criminal syndicates. 

    “These actions substantially degraded the capacity of illicit actors to finance violence and organised crime, contributed to improved oil production, and reinforced national economic resilience. 

    “The success of these missions further highlights the expanding role of air power in safeguarding critical national assets and supporting Nigeria’s economic recovery,” he said.

  • Nigeria must end reckless military airstrikes

    Nigeria must end reckless military airstrikes

    Sir: The recent military airstrikes that devastated Maraya and Wabi villages in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State are yet another grim reminder of the growing pattern of reckless, misdirected bombings by the Nigerian military. Reports indicate that at least 20 people were killed and dozens wounded in the unfortunate incident. Many of the victims were local vigilantes who had gathered to repel bandit attacks in their communities. This is not an isolated case. It is part of a disturbing trend that continues to deepen the mistrust between civilians and the state security apparatus.

    Nigeria’s constitution guarantees the right to life, and that right must not be arbitrarily or negligently taken by the very institutions sworn to protect it. The use of air power in conflict zones, especially in civilian-populated areas, demands a level of precision, intelligence, and restraint. Unfortunately, what we have witnessed time and again is the opposite: crude, indiscriminate bombings with catastrophic consequences for innocent Nigerians.

    What makes the Maraya and Wabi airstrikes particularly tragic is the nature of the victims. These were local vigilantes, ordinary men without military training or weapons, organising to protect their families from the relentless violence of armed bandits. Instead of receiving support or coordination from security agencies, they were mistaken for enemies and annihilated by state-sanctioned firepower. It is unacceptable, and it must stop.

    The Nigerian authorities must urgently initiate a transparent and independent investigation into this incident and others like it. Sweeping such tragedies under the rug only encourages further negligence and erodes public confidence in the military’s counterinsurgency efforts. Justice must be served, and those responsible for authorising and executing these deadly strikes must be held accountable.

    Read Also: CDS Musa calls for border fencing to curb terrorism, transborder crimes

    In January, a similar horror unfolded in Tungar Kara of Maradun Local Government Area, also in Zamfara, where 16 members of a community guard were killed in a military airstrike. These consistent errors suggest not just intelligence failure but institutional recklessness and a worrying disregard for civilian safety. If the military cannot reliably distinguish between bandits and civilians, then we must question the protocols and oversight mechanisms guiding its operations.

    While it is true that Nigeria faces serious security challenges, especially in the Northwest where banditry has grown into a ruthless industry, combating violence with careless violence does not bring peace. It breeds resentment, trauma, and an endless cycle of fear and mistrust. Civilians already traumatised by bandits cannot be made to suffer again from the very military sent to protect them.

    There is a fundamental difference between necessary military action and indiscriminate assaults. Airstrikes should be a last resort, used only when there is verified intelligence and a high level of certainty that civilian lives will not be lost. The recurring airstrikes in Zamfara and other conflict zones show a dangerous departure from these principles. They reflect a strategy that appears more desperate than disciplined.

    Beyond demanding justice for the victims, we must also push for structural reforms within the Nigerian military. These reforms should include better intelligence gathering, improved community engagement, and the use of modern surveillance tools that reduce the risk of misidentifying targets. Commanders must answer for their decisions, and there must be consequences for those who authorise attacks without proper verification.

    If we remain silent, or begin to see these tragedies as an unfortunate but inevitable part of the fight against insecurity, then we are complicit in perpetuating a system that values expedience over human life. Military impunity has no place in a democratic society. Nigerians should not have to live in fear of both criminals and the security forces deployed to protect them.

    The National Human Rights Commission must lead an impartial investigation into these killings. We need a full account of what happened, why it happened, and who bears responsibility. Anything less would dishonour the dead and do further violence to the wounded communities left behind.

    This is not merely a military concern. It is also a question of governance and leadership. Elected officials must break their silence and speak clearly against these attacks. The people of Zamfara State deserve the same level of security, dignity, and national concern that would be extended to residents of Abuja or Lagos.

    The military must urgently rethink its approach to internal security. Security is not only about firepower. It is about building trust, respecting communities, and putting human life at the centre of all decisions. A system that fails to do this is a system in need of radical change.

    We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Defence Headquarters to issue new and clearer rules of engagement that prioritise the protection of civilian lives. The use of force must be accompanied by responsibility, transparency, and humility. Nigeria cannot continue to bomb its way through insecurity while sacrificing the people it claims to serve.

    •Kasim Isa Muhammad

     Potiskum, Yobe State

  • Airstrikes eliminate terrorists responsible for abductions along Maiduguri-Damaturu-Biu roads

    Airstrikes eliminate terrorists responsible for abductions along Maiduguri-Damaturu-Biu roads

    Airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircrafts have eliminated scores of terrorists responsible for violent raids and abductions of civilians along the Maiduguri-Damaturu and Damaturu-Biu roads in Borno State 

    The strikes also destroyed the terrorists enclave within the Timbuktu Triangle, a notorious region known for its terrorist stronghold in North East Nigeria.

    A statement on Friday by the NAF’s Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information,Group Captain Kabiru Ali, said the strikes were launched after intelligence reports about the terrorists presence in the area.

    The statement said the astrikes were launched in “a series of decisive and precision-guided air interdiction missions between March 17 and 19, NAF aircraft in the “fortified terrorists hideouts in Chiralia, Grazah, Yuwe, and Zango Hill”.

    It said: “On 17 March 2025, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) launched a devastating airstrike on Chiralia, a notorious terrorist enclave within the Timbuktu Triangle. Intelligence reports revealed that the insurgents had been orchestrating violent raids along the Maiduguri-Damaturu and Damaturu-Biu highways, abducting civilians and plundering supplies. In response, a formidable force package of NAF attack aircraft unleashed a precise and overwhelming assault, obliterating multiple enemy structures and eliminating terrorists desperately attempting to escape with follow-up strikes.

    “The following day, the NAF launched a devastating air interdiction operation at Grazah, a well-fortified terrorist hideout in the treacherous Mandara Mountains, and at Yuwe, a notorious insurgent stronghold in Sambisa Forest along the volatile Damboa-Bitta highway. At Grazah, intelligence reports exposed extremist leaders indoctrinating fighters, reinforcing the urgency of the strike. 

    “In a ferocious assault, NAF fighter jets unleashed a relentless barrage of precision strikes on key targets advancing purposeful lethality. Follow-up strikes intensified the offensive, obliterating fleeing terrorists at both locations and delivering a crushing blow to their operational networks.”

    The NAF said similar strikes were launched in the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji in the North West within the same period.

    It said: “The Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) executed a relentless aerial assault in Zango Hill, Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, in close coordination with ground forces. Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions uncovered armed bandits entrenched in the rugged high ground, triggering the swift deployment of NAF attack aircraft. 

    “The precision strikes pounded enemy positions, while follow-up bombardments targeted regrouping fighters attempting to evade destruction. NAF helicopters delivered decisive Close Air Support, raining fire on bandits engaging friendly forces, ensuring the unimpeded advance of ground troops. 

    “The operation annihilated multiple armed criminals and obliterated their fortified hideouts, further crippling their operational foothold.” 

  • Airstrikes are conducted with accuracy, civilians not intentionally targeted — CDS

    Airstrikes are conducted with accuracy, civilians not intentionally targeted — CDS

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa, has explained that the military follows strict protocols before executing any airstrike across the various theatres of operations.

    Musa stated that the military conducts its airstrikes with precision, adding that civilians are not deliberately targeted.

    Musa who was reacting to the recent accidental killing of 16 civilians in Zamfara on Saturday spoke during an interview on Arise News on Monday.

    He said: ”The issue of the airstrikes is still the same. Before we conduct any airstrike, we follow up on movements. And I can tell you, when we do airstrikes, we do it with precision.”

    Musa stated that secondary explosions in areas where insurgents store weapons and explosives could have affected the citizens.

    He said: “Now we cannot rule out a secondary explosion. Why? Because again, within areas they have weapons, they have bombs, ammunition, and explosives that they keep there. So sometimes if it goes up, you cannot rule out the aspect that civilians might be affected.

    “But we do not deliberately target the civilian population, we avoid it as much as possible. We have videos that we follow up before any strike is conducted.”

    The CDS noted that the accidental killing allegations might be antics to demoralise troops, adding that most of the allegations come when the military is making headway.

    Read Also: CDS to troops: Respect citizens’ rights during operations

    He said: “Maybe a question we should ask is, when is it that while we are succeeding, that’s when you keep on hearing this accidental airstrike here and there? For us, I think this is just a way of demoralizing the troops, demoralizing our air force, and making it look as if we don’t know what we’re doing,” he explained.

    Musa called for patience and cooperation in verifying such incidents, urging communities to allow military investigations before concluding the nature of any airstrike.

    “Most times, when they say there is any airstrike before you go there, they tell you they buried the people. Why not wait, and then let’s also come and verify these issues?” he questioned.

  • JUST IN: Airstrikes kill terrorists in Kaduna, Zamfara

    JUST IN: Airstrikes kill terrorists in Kaduna, Zamfara

    …destroy 25 illegal refineries in Rivers, Imo

    Airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft have killed several terrorists in Malum forest of Kaduna State, and Bayan Ruwa hideout in Zamfara State.

    The terrorists were neutralized during air interdictions conducted on Thursday, August 21, according to NAF’s spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Edward Gabkwet, in a statement, on Sunday, August 25.

    AVM Gabkwet said were tracked, after an intelligence report, from Alawa forest in Niger State to their stronghold in Malum forest in Kaduna State.

    He said: “Intelligence gathered had revealed that most of the terrorists responsible for recent attacks on civilians, abductions and cattle rustling within Shiroro local government area of Niger State were domicile in Kaduna State.

    “Consequently, the Air Component planned and executed an Air Interdiction mission on 21 Aug 24 on the terrorists’ stronghold at Malum Forest. Battle damage assessment and feedback from local sources revealed several of the terrorists were eliminated as a result of the strike.

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    “Similar strikes were also conducted on terrorists’ hideouts at Bayan Ruwa in Maradun local government area of Zamfara State. The terrorists were tracked to zinced-roofed structures in a vegetated area with few footpaths and a river line northwest of the location. The targets were then acquired and engaged in successive passes.”

    On NAF’s operations against oil thieves and bunkerers in the Niger Delta region, AVM Gabkwet said NAF’s aircraft destroyed 25 illegal refineries and overhead tanks at Ohaji/Egbema in Imo State, and Degema and Cawthorne Channel in Rivers State.

    He said that the NAF observed some “negative” activities in the areas as a result of nefarious acts of the bunkerers and oil thieves

    He said: “At Greenville, Rivers State, a leaking pipeline was observed with the leakage spreading across over 150 metres radius with its attendant negative consequences on the vegetation, aquatic habitats, and farmlands.”

  • JUST IN: Airstrikes kill 30 terrorists in Katsina

    JUST IN: Airstrikes kill 30 terrorists in Katsina

    Airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have killed thirty terrorists in Katsina state.

    The airstrikes were carried out on May 27 at a terrorist kingpin’s hideouts in Bakai, Bakarya, Yartsintsiya in Kankara Local Government Area of the state.

    NAF’s spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, announced this in a statement on Wednesday, May 29.

    Read Also: Israeli airstrikes kill at least 35 in Rafah

    He said credible intelligence confirmed that the terrorist kingpin, Babura, “narrowly escaped” the airstrikes.

    Gabkwet said: “Similar air strikes were also carried out by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai on the same day at Tumbun Fulani, near Lake Chad, against terrorists at a once abandoned hideout.

    “The strikes were authorized after Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions observed a pattern that was consistent with the relocation of terrorists to new hideouts and movement of their logistics.”

  • Airstrikes kill several terrorists in Borno, Niger

    Airstrikes kill several terrorists in Borno, Niger

    Airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft have killed several terrorists at village Chinene in Borno and Allawa in Niger states.

    The strikes also destroyed the terrorists hideouts and equipment.

    Spokesperson of NAF, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet said this in a statement on Sunday.

    He said: “At Chinene, a location tucked inside the Mandara mountain area, terrorists were, on 3 May 2024, observed to be emanating from various locations and assembling, probably for a meeting. Within the same location, seven gun trucks were also observed parked under trees. 

    “Accordingly, air interdiction was authorizeds and conducted over the assembly area and tree coverings to decimate the terrorists and destroy their weapons and mobility. After the strike, Battle Damage Assessment footages as feedback received later revealed that the strikes were successful as several terrorists were neutralised and logistics destroyed.”

    Gabkwet said similar also conducted on May 3, against terrorists hibernating in Allawa village, near Shiroro in Niger State, recorded the same success.

    He said: “The mission was conducted following credible intelligence, which had revealed the migration of terrorists into the village after the mass exit of locals for fear of their safety. 

    “These terrorists had, on 1 May 2024, stormed the deserted Allawa community in Shiroro Local Government Area and torched the Central Primary School. In the evening of the same day, another group of terrorists also arrived at the location, wielding AK-47/49 rifles after invading Galapai village in Galadima Kogo District of the same LGA. 

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    “Accordingly, to prevent further occupation as well as pursue the terrorists from the location, the Air Component scrambled a formation of its platforms to attack the location. On arrival at the location, several terrorists were sighted and engaged effectively. 

    “Furthermore, following credible intelligence as well as detailed aerial observation, which confirmed the presence of their cache of arms hidden inside Allawa Forest, the air component further carried out air strikes at the location.”

    The NAF’s spokesperson said air strikes were also carried North of Arugbana and Temakiri in the Niger Delta, where Illegal Refining Sites were observed and destroyed. 

    “Through this action, the capabilities of oil thieves to continually sabotage and destroy oil pipelines were minimized,” he said.

  • Airstrikes neutralise masterminds of killings of 24 civilians in Yobe

    Airstrikes neutralise masterminds of killings of 24 civilians in Yobe

    There are strong indications that Boko Haram terrorists that killed 24 mourners in Nguro Kayayya village in Gaidem Local Government Area of Yobe State have been neutralized by the Nigerian military.

    The mourners on Tuesday, October 31, were on their way to bury victims of a previous Boko Haram attack when the terrorists planted Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in their path, killing 24 of them.

    But NAF’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said air strikes by NAF’s component of Operation Hadin Kai, on Friday, November 3, killed the terrorists responsible for the killings.

    Gabkwet, in a statement on Sunday, November 5, said the terrorists were killed at their meeting point near Degbawa, a reclusive location within the Mandara Mountains in Goza Local Government Area of Borno State.

    The spokesperson said the terrorists had “planned to meet to review the attack as well as plan the next line of attack on innocent civilians and other vulnerable targets.”

    Gabkwet said: “The air strikes were called for after intelligence revealed the sighting of some key terrorists’ figures and their foot soldiers arriving at the location for a probable meeting.

    Read Also: ‘Churches, Christians faring better in Borno State’

    “Their gathering in large numbers raised concerns, thus necessitating the need for an air interdiction on the location with devastating outcomes for the terrorists. An assessment of the location after the strike revealed several terrorists were indeed eliminated.

    “According to several sources, the particular location was carefully chosen by the terrorists to evade being easily detected, especially by NAF aircraft. The outcome of the strike, however, proved the terrorists wrong as their nefarious plans to meet were detected, thus leading to the success of the air strike.

    “The sources also noted that this strike was a major setback for the terrorists who have, of late, been at the receiving end of the air and land components of Operation Hadin Kai.

    “There were also strong indications that these terrorists were responsible for the recent attack on some locals in Geidam on 31 October 2023 and had planned to meet to review the attack as well as plan the next line of attack on innocent civilians and other vulnerable targets.”

    The NAF’s spokesperson also said troops of Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) in the Northwest killed several terrorists during air strikes at the hideout of a notorious terrorist kingpin, Badaru, in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, on November 1.

    Gabkwet said: “Air strikes were also carried out at the enclave of terrorist kingpin known as Mai Solar in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

    “The air strikes took out clusters of enclaves used as hideouts by the kingpin and his cohorts at the location.

    “It was a successful strike as few survivors were observed fleeing the scene of the strike. There is no confirmation if Mai Solar was among the terrorists eliminated.”