Air strikes kill over 18 terrorists, destroy logistics hubs in Borno – Military

The Nigerian military said the air component of the Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) has killed more than 18 terrorists and destroyed logistics hubs in an air “interdiction operation” in Borno State.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by Mohammed Goni, the spokesperson for the task force.

Mr Goni, a captain, explained that the operation was conducted in the early hours of Friday at Tumbunma Baba in the Tumbuns general area of the state.

The military spokesperson said the operation was conducted in coordination with ground troops of Sector 1 of the task force, using Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and attack platforms.

He said credible intelligence gathered over several weeks indicated the presence of high-profile terrorist elements in the area, which was being used as a meeting point and logistics base.

The intelligence was further validated through surveillance conducted by the theatre command and confirmatory ISR that began on Wednesday, 9 September.

The surveillance reportedly identified several terrorist structures and logistics hubs within the island area.

“Following positive identification of the targets, the air platforms acquired and engaged the designated locations with precision munitions,” Mr Goni stated.

It added that ground troops had occupied likely escape routes to prevent the terrorists from fleeing and to engage them directly.

According to the military spokesperson, the strikes destroyed the targeted structures and “neutralised over 18 terrorist elements.”

The operation, he said, disrupted terrorist logistics and degraded the group’s ability to use the enclave as a gathering and support base.

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A post-strike assessment indicated an estimated 85 per cent success in achieving the operation’s objectives, the military said.

Mr Goni said the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations, timely ISR confirmation and coordination between air and ground forces.

“Working in concert with all security agencies and stakeholders, OPHK will continue to conduct intelligence-driven operations to deny terrorist elements the freedom to operate, regroup or establish logistics and support infrastructure across the theatre,” he said.

The military spokesperson urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support efforts to identify and disrupt terrorist activities across the North-east.