The Air Component of Operation “Hadin Kai” has successfully eliminated five prominent terrorist commanders and over 35 foot soldiers in recent airstrikes in Arina, Southern Tumbuns of Borno.
This was reported by the Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), AVM Edward Gabkwet, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
Gabkwet identified the terrorist leaders killed in the August 16 strikes as Munzir Arika, Sani Dilla (also known as Dan Hausawan Jubillaram), Ameer Modu, Dan Fulani Fari Fari, and Bakoura Arina Chiki.
He explained that the air interdiction aimed to further disrupt the activities of remaining terrorists in the Northeast while safeguarding civilians and troops. Intelligence had previously indicated a covert movement of terrorists into the area from neighboring regions before the mission.
Gabkwet noted that intelligence surveillance missions on August 12 and August 15 identified numerous terrorists and their concealed structures. Coordinated airstrikes were then carried out, effectively neutralizing several terrorists and destroying their structures.
A battle damage assessment revealed that the strikes obliterated various equipment, vehicles, water vessels, and a suspected medical dispensary. Additionally, the strikes resulted in the death or severe injury of five key terrorist leaders.
This operation has significantly weakened the operational capacity of the remaining terrorists in the region. The Nigerian Air Force remains committed to supporting the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies in maintaining peace and security in the area.