The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), operating under the joint task force of Operation HADIN KAI, has recorded another operational success with a coordinated air interdiction against terrorist targets in Borno State.
The strike was carried out at Abbaga Jiri, located within the Timbuktu Triangle, following credible multi-source intelligence that confirmed the presence of active terrorists, fortified structures and hidden logistics facilities in the area.
In a statement on Saturday, the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said air assets were deployed for integrated surveillance and precision strikes after intelligence reports validated the targets. According to him, the operation was carefully planned to weaken terrorist capabilities, deny them safe havens and create favourable conditions for ground troops, while strictly adhering to rules of engagement and protecting civilians.
“The mission was designed to degrade terrorist strength, deny sanctuary and shape the battlespace for ground forces, in line with established operational standards,” the statement said.
Commenting on the operation, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described the mission as a demonstration of the Air Force’s resolve to provide decisive airpower in support of ground operations. He said the identified terrorist structures were effectively destroyed, while follow-up strikes neutralised armed fighters who attempted to regroup at the location.
Aneke added that subsequent advances by ground troops into the area confirmed the effectiveness of the air strikes and validated the success of the joint air and land operation.
“Our operations are intelligence-driven and carefully executed to achieve maximum impact on hostile elements while safeguarding innocent civilians. The Nigerian Air Force will sustain pressure until terrorist networks are completely dismantled,” he said.
The latest operation follows a similar air campaign in December 2025, when the NAF conducted precision strikes on bandit camps and an improvised explosive device factory in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Those strikes, carried out under Operation Fansan Yamma, targeted Turba Hill and a camp linked to a notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Dogo Sule, based on credible intelligence reports.
