The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully executed airstrikes targeting terrorist enclaves in both the Northeast and Northwest regions of the country. This operation was part of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in the Northeast and Operation Hadarin Daji in the Northwest. Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, revealed these details on Sunday in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the coordinated operations, involving collaboration with the land component and other security agencies, have significantly impacted the threat level posed by terrorists, insurgents, and other criminal elements in the two regions. The airstrikes aimed to protect innocent citizens in these areas from security threats.
In the Northeast, precision airstrikes by the Air Component of OPHK on November 3 resulted in the elimination of several terrorists near Degbawa, within the Mandara Mountains in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno. The strike was initiated following intelligence reports about a gathering of key terrorists’ figures and their foot soldiers at this secluded location. The successful air interdiction disrupted a probable terrorists’ meeting and caused significant casualties among them.
Sources indicated that the terrorists had chosen this location to avoid detection by NAF aircraft. However, the successful execution of the airstrike demonstrated the effectiveness of NAF’s surveillance and attack capabilities.
Moreover, there are indications linking these terrorists to the October 31 attack on locals in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe. The terrorists reportedly intended to review this attack and plan further assaults on civilians and vulnerable targets.
In the Northwest, particularly on November 1, the Air Component of OPHD carried out a series of airstrikes in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State. These strikes targeted the hideout of a notorious terrorist kingpin, Babaru, known for his involvement in terrorism and banditry across Katsina State, including the massacre at Gidan Gari and Yarmai-Yadiya villages in Bakori Local Government Area on February 2. The airstrikes destroyed Babaru’s hideout and eliminated several terrorists, although it is unconfirmed if Babaru was among those neutralized.
Additionally, airstrikes in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara targeted the enclave of another terrorist kingpin, Mai Solar. These strikes effectively hit clusters of enclaves used as hideouts, with observed survivors fleeing the scene. The confirmation of Mai Solar’s fate remains uncertain.
These successful operations by NAF underscore a continued commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of Nigerian citizens.