The Nigerian Air Force’s Air Component of Operation “Hadin Kai” has successfully neutralized five key terrorist commanders and over 35 fighters in a precise airstrike in Arina, located in the Southern Tumbuns area of Borno State.
In a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), AVN Edward Gabkwet, confirmed the successful mission.
The terrorist commanders killed in the August 16 airstrike included Munzir Arika, Sani Dilla (also known as Dan Hausawan Jubillaram), Ameer Modu, Dan Fulani Fari Fari, and Bakoura Arina Chiki.
Gabkwet noted that the airstrike was part of a concerted effort to further diminish the capabilities of the remaining terrorist elements operating in the Northeast, while also safeguarding innocent civilians and Nigerian troops.
He explained that intelligence reports had detected the movement of terrorists into the targeted area from nearby locations before the operation was carried out.
“Confirmatory Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions were further conducted on Aug. 12 and Aug. 15, identified numerous terrorists and active structures concealed under trees.
“Consequently, coordinated airstrikes were launched over the location, and the targets successfully engaged, resulting in the neutralization of several terrorists and the destruction of their structures.
“Battle Damage Assessment after the strikes revealed that several equipment, vehicles, water vessels and a suspected medical dispensary were obliterated by the strikes.
“Additionally, credible intelligence further revealed that five key terrorist leaders were either killed or severely injured in the strike.
“This operation, no doubt, has significantly degraded the operational capacity of the few remaining terrorists in the region.
“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,” Gabkwet stated.
