The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully neutralized several terrorists in a series of precision airstrikes on their fortified hideouts in Borno and Katsina states.
In a statement released on Friday in Abuja, NAF’s Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, Group Capt. Kabiru Ali, detailed the operations, which took place between March 17 and March 19. These strikes targeted terrorist strongholds in Chiralia, Grazah, Yuwe, and Zango Hill, crippling their operational networks across the North-East and North-West regions.
According to Ali, on March 17, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai launched a major offensive on Chiralia, a known terrorist enclave within the Timbuktu Triangle.
“Intelligence reports revealed that the insurgents had been orchestrating violent raids along the Maiduguri-Damaturu and Damaturu-Biu highways, abducting civilians and plundering supplies,” he stated.
In response, NAF deployed attack aircraft in a precise and overwhelming assault, destroying multiple enemy structures and eliminating terrorists attempting to flee.
The next day, airstrikes were carried out on Grazah, a heavily fortified hideout in the Mandara Mountains, and Yuwe, a notorious insurgent base in Sambisa Forest.
“At Grazah, intelligence reports exposed extremist leaders indoctrinating fighters, reinforcing the urgency of the strike,” Ali said.
NAF fighter jets launched precision strikes on key targets, while follow-up attacks targeted terrorists attempting to escape. The offensive significantly weakened their operational capabilities.
In the North-West, NAF executed an aerial assault in Zango Hill, Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina, in coordination with ground forces.
“The ISR missions uncovered armed bandits entrenched in the rugged high ground, triggering the swift deployment of NAF attack aircraft,” Ali said.
Precision strikes targeted enemy positions, and follow-up bombardments hit regrouping fighters. NAF helicopters also provided Close Air Support, engaging bandits attacking friendly forces and ensuring ground troops advanced unhindered.
Ali emphasized that these recent airstrikes have significantly disrupted terrorist activities in multiple regions.
“Intelligence assessments indicate that the strikes, not only neutralised several high-value targets but also destroyed critical infrastructure used by the terrorists for logistics and coordination.
“NAF remains committed to sustaining the momentum of air operations in close coordination with ground forces to ensure restoration of peace and security in affected areas,” he added.
