The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed sustained air strikes targeting terrorist positions in Borno State as part of ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North-East. In a statement released on Tuesday, May 26, the Air Force announced that its air component under Operation HADIN KAI struck identified terrorist hideouts and logistics bases within the Sambisa Forest axis.
Precision Strikes on Terrorist Structures
The military explained that the latest operation was carried out on May 26 after intelligence reports from surveillance missions confirmed the location of active terrorist structures in the Biramiri area of the Gezuwa general axis. The targets were then hit in precision strikes, leading to the destruction of key facilities used by insurgents and the neutralisation of several fighters.
Reduced Terrorist Movement
According to the Air Force, the operation has further weakened the group's ability to coordinate movements and sustain operations in the area. Repeated air operations in the Sambisa Forest region have created panic among terrorist elements, reducing their freedom of movement and forcing confusion within their ranks.
The Air Force also noted that the air campaign is being carried out alongside ground troops and other security agencies to maintain pressure on insurgents and restore stability in the North-East. The statement was signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters.
Related Operations and Context
In a related development, the Nigerian Defence Headquarters reported that a joint operation with the United States Africa Command killed 175 ISIS terrorists in coordinated air and ground strikes across parts of the North East. The military stated that the operation targeted terrorist strongholds, logistics hubs, and weapons caches, leading to the destruction of key infrastructure and the elimination of several senior ISIS and ISWAP commanders. Authorities added that the offensive also disrupted financial and recruitment networks of the group.
Previously, the US Africa Command and Nigerian forces carried out coordinated air and ground strikes against ISIS-linked militants in North-East Nigeria, neutralising more than 20 fighters. Intelligence from AFRICOM confirmed that targeted locations were occupied by ISIS fighters, with battle damage assessments still ongoing. The command also stated that no Nigerian or US personnel were harmed.
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, which confirmed the operation as part of sustained counter-insurgency efforts, noted continued joint missions with AFRICOM. Military authorities vowed relentless pursuit of terrorists and declared there would be no haven in Nigeria.
