The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that its air component of Operation Hadin Kai carried out precision strikes on terrorist hideouts in the Bula Yobe–Banki axis of Borno State, killing at least 25 fighters.
According to military sources, the operation was conducted after credible intelligence revealed the movement and gathering of insurgents in the area, which lies close to the Cameroon border and has long served as a logistics hub for Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements.
Fighter jets were scrambled for the mission, and multiple strikes were launched on the identified locations, destroying makeshift structures and neutralising several armed militants. Ground troops later confirmed that no fewer than 25 terrorists were eliminated in the coordinated assault.
Security analysts say the operation is part of ongoing efforts to degrade terrorist capabilities in the North-East and deny them freedom of movement along border communities. The Bula Yobe–Banki corridor has been a hotspot for insurgent activities, including cross-border smuggling, recruitment, and attacks on civilian settlements.
NAF spokesperson Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet said the strikes underscored the military’s resolve to sustain pressure on terrorist groups until stability is restored in the region. He also assured that operations would continue in synergy with land forces to consolidate the gains recorded so far.
The latest success comes amid increased counter-terrorism efforts in the Lake Chad Basin, where regional forces under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) have also intensified operations against extremist cells.
