The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai has eliminated more than 50 suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters through precision air strikes along their withdrawal routes after a failed assault on Ngoshe in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the insurgents carried out a coordinated attack on artillery positions in Ngoshe at about 7:30 pm on March 3. The community lies roughly 12 kilometres from Pulka and about 31 kilometres from Gwoza town.
According to an officer, the attackers attempted to seize the artillery positions during a surprise evening raid.
“The insurgents tried to seize the artillery positions through a surprise assault. Troops on the ground responded effectively but carried out a tactical withdrawal under intense fire to safeguard personnel and equipment while reinforcements were being mobilised,” he said.
The sources explained that the terrorists adopted a hit-and-run approach, leaving the area before reinforcement troops could completely secure it. Additional soldiers were quickly deployed, while surveillance aircraft monitored the fleeing fighters along identified escape routes.
“Upon receiving real-time intelligence from ground forces, air assets were deployed to engage the terrorists along their escape routes. The fighters were observed moving in clusters at two separate locations. Precision strikes were carried out on confirmed target clusters and movement trails. Battle Damage Assessment indicates that more than 50 terrorists were neutralised in two separate strike runs,” the officer stated.
He further noted that the coordinated air and ground operations under Operation Hadin Kai ensured that although the insurgents attempted to retreat into forested hideouts, they were effectively targeted from the air.
“The strikes also disrupted their logistics and mobility capabilities within the Ngoshe–Pulka corridor,” he said.
Sources added that clearance and area-domination missions are ongoing to prevent the insurgents from regrouping.
The officer also pointed out that the Ngoshe–Gwoza axis has long remained volatile due to periodic activities of Boko Haram and ISWAP remnants, who often take advantage of the difficult terrain and nearby cross-border forest zones.
“Operation Hadin Kai remains committed to sustaining offensive pressure. The message is clear: any attempt to attack our positions will be met with overwhelming and coordinated firepower,” he said.
He reassured residents of Gwoza and neighbouring communities of the military’s continued determination to protect lives, support resettlement programmes, and consolidate the progress achieved in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations in Borno State.