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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), said its air component operating under the joint task force of Operation HADIN KAI, has destroyed a terrorist enclave in the southern axis of the Lake Chad region of Borno State, killing several insurgents.
NAF Director public relations and information Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, who made this known, said the operation followed a precision air interdiction mission carried out against terrorist hideouts at Abirma on Tuesday.
Ejodame, in a statement, said that the strike was based on credible Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), which confirmed the presence of insurgents within the settlement.
“Subsequent aerial observation revealed insurgent movements around concealed structures deliberately hidden under dense vegetation, a tactic frequently employed to evade detection,”.
The statement added that after thorough target identification and verification in line with operational procedures, NAF air assets carried out precision strikes on the identified locations.
“The targets were engaged with precision munitions, resulting in the destruction of multiple terrorist structures and the disruption of their activities in the area.
“Preliminary Battle Damage Assessment indicates that the strikes significantly degraded the terrorists’ capacity to use the location as a staging ground for attacks across the Lake Chad Basin,”.
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In a related development, the NAF said its air assets, in close coordination with the Nigerian Army, neutralised several terrorists during a failed infiltration attempt at Malam Fatori in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State in the early hours of March 18, 2026.
According to the statement, the joint operation successfully prevented the insurgents from breaching defensive positions, reinforcing ongoing efforts to stabilise border communities.
The NAF noted that the operations underscore its continued reliance on intelligence-driven precision air power as part of broader joint force efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and support ground troops in restoring peace in the North-East.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reassured Nigerians that sustained air operations across multiple theatres remain focused on protecting lives, safeguarding communities, and denying criminal elements freedom of action.
He emphasised that the Service remains committed to professionalism, strict adherence to rules of engagement, and internationally recognised standards in minimising civilian harm.
