The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reportedly killed more than ten fighters linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during coordinated air strikes carried out across parts of Borno and Yobe states, including the notorious Timbuktu Triangle.
The operation was executed by the air component of Operation Hadin Kai, acting on real-time intelligence gathered through unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The precision strikes were conducted on Tuesday following sustained aerial surveillance.
According to security-focused publication Zagazola Makama, surveillance assets first identified a group of about ten ISWAP fighters armed with motorcycles and bicycles. The terrorists were spotted congregating under a large tree along the Ambia Tasha, Ambia Sheruri, Ambia Turo, and Shangamaru axis in Yobe State, with indications that additional fighters were concealed within nearby vegetation.
Following authorisation, NAF fighter aircraft engaged the targets using precision-guided munitions, resulting in the destruction of terrorist assets, including motorcycles used for mobility and logistics.
Post-strike assessments reportedly confirmed significant casualties, with only one individual seen fleeing the strike area.
Military sources said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to restrict ISWAP’s movement, disrupt supply routes, and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities across the North-East. They added that aerial surveillance and targeted strikes, in close coordination with ground forces, would continue until remaining threats are neutralised.
Earlier in the month, similar air operations conducted across the North-East and North-West reportedly destroyed terrorist hideouts, eliminated weapons caches and logistics infrastructure, and killed several fighters.
In a statement, Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, confirmed that the recent operations were carried out between January 1 and 2 by joint task forces under Operation Hadin Kai and Operation Fasan Yamma Sector 2.
