The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has carried out multiple airstrikes in the North-East and North-West, killing scores of terrorists and destroying their hideouts in a series of coordinated attacks. The air raids, which took place between March 17 and 19, targeted key insurgent strongholds in Borno, Katsina, and other states, dealing a heavy blow to terrorist operations.
NAF’s Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, Group Captain Kabiru Ali, confirmed the success of the operations. “In a series of decisive and precision-guided air interdiction missions, NAF aircraft obliterated fortified hideouts in Chiralia, Grazah, Yuwe, and Zango Hill, eliminating numerous fighters and crippling their operational networks,” he said.
The airstrikes were part of ongoing military efforts under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in the North-East and Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) in the North-West.
On March 17, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai launched a major airstrike on Chiralia, a known terrorist base within the Timbuktu Triangle. Intelligence reports had revealed that insurgents were staging violent attacks on the Maiduguri-Damaturu and Damaturu-Biu highways, kidnapping civilians and looting supplies.
“A formidable force of NAF attack aircraft carried out a precise and overwhelming assault, destroying multiple enemy structures and killing terrorists attempting to flee,” Ali explained.
Sambisa Forest and Mandara Mountains Attacked
On March 18, NAF fighter jets targeted Grazah, a fortified terrorist hideout in the Mandara Mountains, and Yuwe, a known insurgent stronghold in Sambisa Forest along the Damboa-Bitta highway.
Intelligence reports showed that terrorist leaders were using Grazah to train and indoctrinate new fighters, prompting a swift response.
Ali stated, “Our aircraft launched a ferocious assault, striking key enemy positions with precision strikes. Follow-up attacks wiped out terrorists attempting to escape, delivering a devastating blow to their networks.”
The strikes in Yuwe further weakened insurgent activities in Sambisa, one of Boko Haram’s traditional strongholds.
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NAF Hits Bandits in Katsina
In the North-West, NAF executed an air raid on Zango Hill in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State as part of Operation Hadarin Daji. Armed bandits had been using the rugged terrain as a base for attacks on nearby communities.
Surveillance missions identified the heavily armed criminals, leading to swift deployment of NAF attack aircraft.
“Our precision strikes hit enemy positions, while follow-up bombardments targeted those attempting to regroup and escape,” Ali said.
NAF helicopters also provided Close Air Support to ground troops, striking bandits engaging security forces.
“These coordinated strikes ensured that ground troops advanced without resistance, dealing a final blow to the criminal elements,” Ali added.
Military Declares Operation a Success
NAF described the operation as highly successful, stating that the airstrikes significantly disrupted terrorist activities.
“Intelligence assessments indicate that the strikes neutralized several high-value targets and destroyed key infrastructure used for logistics and coordination,” Ali noted.
He reaffirmed NAF’s commitment to sustained military operations, saying, “We will continue working closely with ground forces to restore peace and security in affected areas.”