NAF Airstrikes Take Out Top Terrorist Leaders, 35 Militants in Borno

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has revealed that it successfully executed a significant air interdiction mission, killing five key terrorist commanders and over 35 fighters in Borno State.

The operation, carried out on August 16, 2024, targeted Arina, located in the Southern Tumbuns area of Borno State, where the terrorists had reportedly gathered.

Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information, confirmed the successful operation in a statement released on Wednesday. He said the mission was part of Operation Hadin Kai, a concerted effort to weaken the remnants of terrorist groups operating in the Northeast region of Nigeria.

“Prior to the mission, intelligence had revealed the clandestine migration of terrorists into the area from neighboring locations,” Gabkwet said. “Confirmatory Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions were further conducted on 12 and 15 August 2024, which identified numerous terrorists and active structures concealed under trees.”

According to Gabkwet, these reconnaissance missions provided vital information that led to the decision to launch coordinated airstrikes. The strikes were executed with precision, resulting in the neutralization of several terrorists and the destruction of their structures.

“Consequently, coordinated airstrikes were launched over the location, and the targets were successfully engaged,” Gabkwet said. “This resulted in the neutralization of several terrorists and the destruction of their structures.”

The operation also inflicted severe damage on the terrorists’ equipment and infrastructure. The Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) after the strikes revealed that several pieces of equipment, vehicles, water vessels, and a suspected medical dispensary were obliterated by the strikes.

Gabkwet highlighted that the operation’s success has significantly degraded the operational capacity of the few remaining terrorist elements in the region. Among the top commanders believed to have been killed or severely injured in the strike were Munzir Arika, Sani Dilla (Dan Hausawan Jubillaram), Ameer Modu, Dan Fulani Fari Fari, and Bakoura Arina Chiki.

“This operation, no doubt, has significantly degraded the operational capacity of the few remaining terrorists in the region,” Gabkwet stated.

Recall that Neusroom also reported that the NAF carried out an operation in Borno that destroyed a suspected bomb factory located at Grazah, deep in the Mandara Hills.

Gabkwet reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to supporting the broader efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies in safeguarding the region, emphasizing that such operations will continue until peace and security are fully restored.

“The Nigerian Air Force remains committed to supporting the efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies in safeguarding the region and ensuring peace and security prevail,” he added.