In a decisive move against terrorism in the North-East, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) over the weekend executed precision airstrikes that neutralised key Boko Haram commanders and obliterated fortified strongholds in Borno State’s Mandara Mountains.
The successful operation, conducted under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), targeted strategic insurgent locations in Wa Jahode and Loghpere, long-held by the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad faction of Boko Haram. These enclaves, positioned along the Nigeria–Cameroon border, had recently shown signs of terrorist resurgence, including the buildup of logistics and the reported presence of senior insurgent commanders.
According to a statement released on Monday by the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the operation was carried out following detailed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions which confirmed the presence of insurgent infrastructure in the targeted locations.
“The intelligence gathered revealed clusters of structures with solar panels, black flags, and fortified compounds — all indicating heightened terrorist activity and preparations for renewed attacks,” said Gabkwet.
In response, NAF deployed a series of well-coordinated air interdictions, successfully destroying high-value assets including command centres, logistics warehouses, and defensive shelters.
“Several terrorists were neutralised during the strikes, effectively crippling their operational capabilities and disrupting their supply chains,” the statement added.
The operation is being hailed as a significant blow to the Boko Haram network, especially given the difficulty of targeting terrorist cells embedded within mountainous terrain.
Gabkwet reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to restoring peace in the region, stating that “NAF remains unwavering in its mission to sustain pressure on terrorist elements and support broader efforts to stabilise the region.”
The strikes underscore Nigeria’s renewed emphasis on intelligence-led counterterrorism operations, particularly in areas previously deemed inaccessible due to challenging terrain and militant entrenchment.
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