The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that its air operations have successfully neutralized dozens of bandits in a series of precision strikes across key insurgent hideouts in Borno State.
In a statement released on Thursday, Group Captain Kabiru Ali, Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, said the air raids were part of a coordinated offensive aimed at dismantling terrorist strongholds in the Mandara Mountains and surrounding areas.
“Delivered coordinated strikes on terrorist strongholds at Warawara, near Wajiroko, and Chinene in the Mandara Mountains, Borno State, dealing a severe blow to insurgent activities,” the statement noted.
According to the NAF, the operations were informed by detailed Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) efforts that revealed terrorists stockpiling weapons and planting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) near Wajiroko.
“The troops guided by painstaking Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, NAF identified a number of terrorists stockpiling logistics and planting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) around Wajiroko. Surveillance later tracked their movement to a concealed location housing a gun truck, ammunition stockpiles, and fuel reserves.”
This prompted a swift and decisive response from the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), which launched a series of air interdiction (AI) missions to neutralize the threat.
“In response, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) executed multiple waves of air interdiction (AI) missions. The first wave struck the terrorists’ logistics hub, destroying gun trucks and critical supplies.”
“The other followed with sustained rocket and cannon attacks, ensuring the complete annihilation of terrorist’s assets.”
The statement further revealed that another hideout in Chinene, where insurgents had relocated after a previous strike in Degbewa, was also targeted and destroyed.
“Additionally, NAF aircraft targeted another terrorist enclave at Chinene in the Mandara Mountains. Intelligence reports indicated that insurgents had relocated there following a previous air raid on Degbewa on 16 March 2025.”
“Overhead reconnaissance confirmed the presence of active structures, prompting the execution of strikes that set terrorist hideouts ablaze. Fleeing insurgents were subsequently engaged and neutralized, further crippling their operational capacity.”
“Battle Damage Assessment and corroboratory intelligence confirmed the neutralisation of scores of terrorist fighters.”
“The strikes also destroyed 4 terrorist gun trucks, 2 Toyota Hilux vehicles, and several makeshift shelters, forcing the insurgents to abandon their positions degrading their operational capabilities.”
The NAF emphasized that these operations reflect a sustained and determined effort to weaken terrorist networks in the Northeast.
“The successful air interdiction missions underscore the NAF’s unwavering commitment to neutralizing insurgents, disrupting their logistics, and denying them safe havens.”
“With sustained pressure on terrorist elements, the NAF remains resolute in its mission to restore peace and security in the country.”
 has confirmed that its air operations have successfully neutralized dozens of bandits in a series of precision strikes across key insurgent hideouts in Borno State.){kind=link}