Sept. 6, 2025
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) working in synergy with ground troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has neutralised more than 30 Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in a major counterterrorism offensive in Borno State. The joint operation delivered a significant blow to insurgents threatening peace and security in the North East.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF, confirmed the operation in a statement on Saturday, explaining that the mission was carried out on Friday at Dar-El-Jamal village in Bama Local Government Area after reports of heavy terrorist engagement against friendly forces. He said the air component, acting on credible intelligence, “swiftly deployed an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Air Interdiction (AI) mission in close coordination with ground forces.”
According to him, the aircrew established communication with troops in Banki, who confirmed that reinforcements were already advancing to support soldiers in the area. Upon arriving at Dar Jamel, the aircrew positively identified friendly forces before ISR scans detected terrorists fleeing northwards into the bushes in an attempt to escape aerial bombardment.
Ejodame revealed that “in a series of three precise and successive strikes, the fleeing terrorists were decisively engaged, leading to the neutralisation of over 30 insurgents.” He added that the strikes were immediately followed by the arrival of reinforcement troops, who secured the location and stabilised the situation after the air assault.
Security analysts say the latest success further underscores the growing effectiveness of joint counterterrorism operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP militants. It also demonstrates how intelligence-driven missions are gradually shrinking the safe havens of insurgents in Borno and other parts of the Lake Chad Basin.
Highlighting the significance of the operation, Ejodame noted that “the coordinated success showcases the seamless synergy between air and ground troops, which is vital for dismantling terrorist networks and restoring lasting peace in the North East.” He stressed that the NAF’s continuous support remains critical to the military campaign against terrorism in Nigeria.
Reassuring Nigerians of the military’s commitment, Ejodame said the NAF, working closely with sister services and security agencies, “will continue to take deliberate and collaborative actions to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.” He added that the Armed Forces remain resolute in protecting vulnerable communities from insurgent attacks and ensuring stability across the country.
The latest breakthrough comes as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intensifies his national security agenda, with the administration pledging to provide more resources for intelligence-led operations and modern equipment for the Armed Forces. Analysts believe this renewed drive is essential in sustaining the momentum against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other terror networks across Nigeria. GMTNewsng
