In a major tactical success, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has carried out precision air interdiction operations against terrorist strongholds in Talala and Ajigin, key locations within the volatile Timbuktu Triangle in Borno State. The strikes, conducted on May 7, 2025, around 5:30 p.m., were part of the intensified military campaign codenamed Operation KALACHEN WUTA II, under the broader umbrella of Operation Hadin Kai.
The air offensive was launched following credible intelligence and surveillance indicating that fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) were regrouping and amassing logistics in preparation for coordinated attacks.
A counter-insurgency and security analyst, Zagazola Makama, revealed the details in a post on his official handle on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday. According to the post, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms had earlier detected heightened militant activity in the Talala and Ajigin axes.
“Our ISR platforms had earlier picked up significant terrorist activities at the Talala and Ajigin axes, indicating that the enemy was regrouping and storing logistics in preparation for coordinated attacks,” Makama quoted intelligence sources as saying.
Upon confirmation of the threat, the Air Component executed precision-guided strikes, resulting in the neutralization of scores of terrorists and the destruction of critical logistics infrastructure, including makeshift shelters, weapons stockpiles, and mobility platforms.
Preliminary assessments indicate that the operation has caused substantial disruption to ISWAP’s operational capabilities. Sources say the aftermath of the strike left the group in panic and disarray, with surviving fighters struggling to regroup.
“This operation sends a clear message: wherever the enemy attempts to find cover, we will find them, and we will strike with precision and resolve,” an intelligence officer reportedly stated.
The successful strike marks a significant blow to ISWAP’s presence in the region and demonstrates the growing efficacy of Nigeria’s aerial counterterrorism strategy.
