The Nigerian Air Force conducted multiple airstrikes in Borno State, killing scores of terrorists, destroying their hideouts, vehicles, and supplies, and crippling their operational capacity.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced the successful elimination of numerous suspected terrorists through a series of coordinated airstrikes in Warawara, near Wajiroko, and Chinene, located in the Mandara Mountains region of Borno State.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Group Captain Kabiru Ali.

According to Mr. Ali, the NAF has maintained an aggressive counterterrorism campaign in the North-East, executing multiple waves of precision airstrikes on Wednesday, significantly crippling insurgent operations in the region.

He explained that the airstrikes were carried out following extensive Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, which identified a group of terrorists stockpiling supplies and planting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) around Wajiroko. Further surveillance revealed their movement to a concealed location containing a gun truck, ammunition stockpiles, and fuel reserves.

"In response," Mr. Ali stated, "the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) launched multiple waves of air interdiction missions. The first wave targeted the terrorists’ logistics hub, successfully destroying gun trucks and critical supplies. The subsequent waves involved sustained rocket and cannon attacks, ensuring the complete destruction of terrorist assets."

He further revealed that later in the day, NAF aircraft also targeted a terrorist enclave at Chinene in the Mandara Mountains. Intelligence had indicated that insurgents had relocated to the area following an earlier air raid on Degbewa on March 16. Overhead reconnaissance confirmed the presence of active structures, prompting NAF forces to conduct strikes that engulfed terrorist hideouts in flames.

Mr. Ali added that as the terrorists attempted to flee, they were engaged and neutralized, further weakening their operational capacity.

According to him, battle damage assessments and corroborative intelligence confirmed that scores of terrorist fighters had been neutralized. Additionally, the airstrikes destroyed four terrorist gun trucks, two Toyota Hilux vehicles, and several makeshift shelters, forcing the insurgents to abandon their positions and severely degrading their operational capabilities.

“These successful air interdiction missions highlight the NAF’s unwavering commitment to eliminating insurgents, disrupting their logistics, and denying them safe havens,” Mr. Ali stated. “With sustained pressure on terrorist elements, the NAF remains resolute in its mission to restore peace and security across the country.”