Abuja: The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has stepped up its air offensive under Operation HADIN KAI. It destroyed a major terrorist enclave in Kangarwa, in the Northern Tumbuns area of Borno.
The Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
Ejodame said the airstrike was conducted at about 1205 hours on April 1 by the Air Component of the Joint Task Force North East. He explained that it was based on credible intelligence and sustained surveillance, which confirmed that terrorists were in the area.
He said the targeted enclave had been monitored closely through Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance missions. These revealed significant activity and movement within the settlement.
According to him, NAF air assets executed precision-strike missions upon confirmation of targets, delivering multiple attack runs against structures and concealed targets used by the insurgents.
He said the strikes destroyed infrastructure, including logistics hubs and operational shelters within the enclave.
Scores of fighters were neutralised during the bombardment, significantly degrading the operational capability of the enclave and disrupting insurgent movement in the area.
The successful air interdiction is expected to help ground troops advance and dominate the area. They will also carry out follow-on clearance operations.
Ejodame said the operation highlighted the growing synergy between air and ground forces. These forces are engaged in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign in the North-East.
It added that the enclave, believed to be a stronghold of ISWAP elements, was impacted, with its command and support structures affected.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment. He said they will sustain intelligence-driven precision strikes against terrorist hideouts across the theatre.
Aneke said the air force will keep working closely with surface forces to deny terrorists freedom of action. They also aim to eliminate all remaining enclaves.
He emphasised that the sustained air campaign is critical. It is essential for restoring lasting peace and security in the region.
