On Thursday, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) announced that its airstrikes in the Tumbuns region near Lake Chad in Borno State resulted in the deaths of several terrorists. The operation was carried out following the forced displacement of the terrorists to higher ground due to recent heavy rainfall that had flooded and exposed their hideouts.
NAF spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, confirmed that Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions were conducted over the area on August 22, 24, and 26, 2024. These missions identified several terrorists and their salvaged belongings hidden in four makeshift shelters, some camouflaged under trees and thick vegetation.
Gabkwet explained that the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai executed a successful air interdiction mission at Jubillaram, in southern Tumbuns. This mission followed the terrorists’ forced migration to drier ground as their previous locations were inundated by rainfall.
He noted that in addition to eliminating several terrorists, the airstrikes also destroyed their armories, logistics storage facilities, and other structures. The resulting thick black smoke from one destroyed structure suggested it was used for ammunition or supplies.
Gabkwet highlighted that the operation’s success underscores the NAF’s commitment to its mandate and national security. He pointed out that while the excess rainfall may have inadvertently driven the terrorists out of their hideouts, it was the NAF’s prompt and effective response that delivered a significant blow to their operations. He also emphasized that targeting these terrorist strongholds disrupts their capacity to inflict harm and supports regional stability by impacting their networks.