The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, operating under the joint task force of Operation Hadin Kai, has carried out a coordinated air interdiction at Abbaga Jiri in the Timbuktu Triangle, Borno State.
According to the Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the air strikes were executed based on actionable intelligence from multiple sources, which confirmed the presence of terrorists, their structures and concealed logistics facilities in the area.
Ejodame said NAF air assets were deployed in integrated surveillance and precision strike roles to neutralise the identified threats and pave the way for ground troops.
He explained that the operation was aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities, denying them sanctuary and shaping the battlefield for ground forces, while strictly adhering to rules of engagement and ensuring the protection of civilians.
“The identified terrorist structures were decisively engaged and destroyed, denying the terrorists freedom of action, while a follow-up engagement neutralised armed elements observed converging on the location,” he said.
He added that subsequent advances by ground troops into the area confirmed the effectiveness of the air strikes and validated the success of the joint air–land operation.
Speaking on the mission, the Chief of the Air Staff, CAS, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said the success of the operation reflected the Nigerian Air Force’s resolve to dominate the air domain in support of joint operations.
“The success of the mission reflects the NAF’s resolve to dominate the air domain in support of joint operations,” Aneke said.
He stressed that the operation demonstrated the service’s commitment to providing precise and decisive air power in support of ground forces.
“We will continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement, sanctuary and logistics wherever they seek to hide. Air operations will remain relentless and intelligence-driven,” he said.
Aneke assured that NAF operations are carefully planned and intelligence-led to ensure maximum impact on hostile elements while safeguarding innocent civilians.
“The Nigerian Air Force will sustain pressure until terrorist networks are completely dismantled,” he added.
He noted that such missions are critical in enabling ground troops to maintain operational momentum and achieve decisive outcomes against terrorist networks threatening lives, property and Nigeria’s national security.
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