The Nigeria Airforce says its Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, in support of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts by the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), delivered a crushing blow to ISWAP terrorists, neutralizing more insurgents and obliterating strategic hideouts in the Southern Tumbuns at Arina.
Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, Director, Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force in a statement on Saturday night said the strikes were launched after credible intelligence revealed a mass movement of ISWAP fighters from the Lake Chad Basin to the Southern Tumbuns, gearing up for coordinated assaults in the area.
“Further intel pinpointed high-value ISWAP commanders and clusters of militants hidden under thick vegetation at Arina Woje, triggering a series of powerful, precision air raids.
“During the mission, NAF fighter jets unleashed a torrent of bombs and cannon fire, delivering a devastating and pinpoint assault on terrorists’ hideouts,” the statement disclosed.
It said swift mop-up strikes followed, wiping out fleeing insurgents and ensuring total elimination of the threat.
The statement added that a previous airstrike on October 30, 2024, at Arina Woje had already dealt a critical blow to ISWAP, neutralizing around 50 terrorists, including a commander known as Qaid Bashir Dauda.
It said the accomplishment represented a significant stride in the AFN’s unwavering counter-terrorism campaign, dealing a powerful blow to enemy strongholds.
NAF neutralize SWAP terrorists, destroy enclave in Southern Tumbuns