The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced a successful airstrike that neutralised top terrorist commanders and fighters in Borno State, News About Nigeria reports.
On August 18, the Air Force’s fighter jets targeted the Arina area in southern Tumbuns, Borno State, killing five terrorist leaders and severely injuring 35 fighters.
According to Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, the affected commanders were Munzir Arika, Sani Dilla, Ameer Modu, Dan Fulani Fari Fari, and Bakoura Arina Chiki.
The airstrike was part of Operation Hadin Kai, aimed at weakening terrorist activities in the Northeast while protecting civilians and troops.
Intelligence revealed that the five key terrorist leaders were present at the location during the operation, along with over 35 other fighters.
Before the operation, intelligence showed that terrorists had migrated to the area from neighboring locations.
Confirmatory missions on August 12 and 15 identified numerous terrorists and active structures concealed under trees.
The NAF said coordinated airstrikes were launched, successfully engaging the targets, neutralising several terrorists, and destroying their structures.
The operation degraded the operational capability of terrorists in the North East, according to Gabkwet.
The Nigerian Air Force remained committed to supporting the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies in safeguarding the region and ensuring peace and security prevail.
In his words, “Before the mission, intelligence had revealed the clandestine migration of terrorists into the area from neighbouring locations. Confirmatory Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions were further conducted on 12 and 15 August 2024, which identified numerous terrorists and active structures concealed under trees.
“Consequently, coordinated airstrikes were launched over the location, and the targets successfully engaged, resulting in the neutralisation of several terrorists and the destruction of their structures.
“Battle Damage Assessment after the strikes revealed that several pieces of equipment, vehicles, water vessels and a suspected medical dispensary were obliterated by the strikes.”
