By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI has carried out a precision air strike on a major terrorist enclave and logistics hub near Jilli in the Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State, neutralizing scores of insurgents and destroying critical assets.
The operation, executed on April 11, 2026, followed sustained Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions over the Bindul Jilli axis, an area identified as a key movement corridor for Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters and their collaborators.
Military sources disclosed that the strike was part of intensified operations launched in response to recent attacks linked to the same network.
In January, troops advancing from Gubio toward Damasak were hit by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at Bindul, resulting in the death of eight soldiers and injuries to several others.
Coordinated attacks were also recorded as recently as April 9 in Ngamdu and Benisheik.
Acting on fresh intelligence, aerial surveillance on April 11 detected suspicious movements of motorcycles and gun trucks converging near Jilli.
This activity was corroborated by credible human intelligence sources, which confirmed the presence of terrorists and logistics handlers at the site.
Following a rigorous targeting process and real-time surveillance, the Air Component launched a series of precision strikes on the location.
Post-strike assessments indicated high accuracy, resulting in the destruction of the logistics enclave, multiple vehicles, and technicals. While many insurgents were neutralized, surviving elements were seen fleeing the area.
Further intelligence revealed that the group was in the final stages of receiving supplies intended for coordinated attacks on military positions within the Gubio axis.
The operation is believed to have disrupted imminent threats and significantly weakened the terrorists’ operational capacity.
In a related development, troops arrested a suspected logistics courier, identified as “Turja Bulu,” in Ngamdu on April 12. Preliminary investigations revealed his involvement in the April 9 attack on a military formation in Benisheik.
He also reportedly confessed to being dispatched from Jilli to deliver food supplies to insurgents hiding within the Magumeri-Gubio axis.
Military authorities have stated that operations will continue to sustain pressure on terrorist elements and deny them freedom of movement across the North-East theatre.