The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has achieved a significant victory against terrorism in Borno State, eliminating five key commanders and over 35 fighters in a precision airstrike. The successful operation took place in Arina, located in the Southern Tumbuns area of Borno, as part of Operation “Hadin Kai,” a coordinated effort to weaken the remaining terrorist forces in the region.
In a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja, AVM Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF, confirmed the mission’s success. Among the high-ranking terrorist commanders killed in the August 16 airstrike were Munzir Arika, Sani Dilla (known as Dan Hausawan Jubillaram), Ameer Modu, Dan Fulani Fari Fari, and Bakoura Arina Chiki.
Gabkwet emphasized that the airstrike was a crucial part of ongoing efforts to degrade the operational capacity of terrorist groups in the Northeast while protecting civilians and supporting Nigerian troops. Intelligence reports indicated that terrorists had moved into the targeted area from nearby locations, prompting the operation.
“Confirmatory Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions conducted on August 12 and August 15 identified numerous terrorists and active structures concealed under trees,” Gabkwet explained. “Coordinated airstrikes were then launched, successfully engaging the targets and neutralizing several terrorists while destroying their structures.”
The Battle Damage Assessment conducted after the strikes revealed that the operation also destroyed multiple pieces of equipment, vehicles, water vessels, and a suspected medical dispensary used by the terrorists. Additionally, credible intelligence indicated that five key terrorist leaders were either killed or severely injured during the strike.
“This operation has significantly degraded the operational capacity of the remaining terrorist elements in the region,” Gabkwet noted. He reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies in maintaining peace and security in the area.