Scores killed as NAF strikes destroy terrorist hideouts in Borno
SKAiF NewsNG SNN
By: Kingsley Omonobi
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said on Wednesday that its Air Component, operating under the joint task force of Operation Hadin Kai, successfully conducted a precision air interdiction mission against terrorist hideouts at Abirma, a confirmed insurgent enclave in the southern axis of the Lake Chad region of Borno State, on 17 March 2026.
The NAF also said that its air assets, in close coordination with Nigerian Army troops, neutralised several terrorists during a foiled infiltration attempt at Malam Fatori in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State in the early hours of 18 March 2026.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, said the operation was executed based on credible Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) that confirmed the presence of terrorist fighters within the settlement.
‘Subsequent aerial observation revealed insurgent movements around concealed structures deliberately hidden under dense vegetation, a tactic frequently employed to evade detection.
“Following positive target identification and rigorous verification in line with established operational procedures, NAF air assets executed precision strikes on the identified locations.
“The targets were engaged with precision munitions, resulting in the destruction of multiple terrorist structures and the disruption of their activities in the area.
‘Preliminary Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) indicates that the strikes significantly degraded the terrorists’ capacity to utilise the location as a staging ground for attacks across the Lake Chad Basin.
‘In a related development, NAF air assets, in close coordination with Nigerian Army troops, neutralised several terrorists during a foiled infiltration attempt at Malam Fatori in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State in the early hours of 18 March 2026.
“The joint response successfully prevented the insurgents from breaching defensive positions, thereby reinforcing ongoing efforts to stabilise the border communities.
“These operations underscore the Nigerian Air Force’s sustained reliance on intelligence-driven precision air power as part of broader joint force efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and support ground operations aimed at restoring lasting peace and normalcy in the North East.
‘The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reassured Nigerians that sustained air operations across multiple theatres remain focused on protecting innocent lives, safeguarding communities, and denying terrorist and criminal elements the freedom to operate anywhere within the country.
“He emphasised that the Service remains committed to executing its missions professionally, with strict adherence to rules of engagement and internationally recognised standards in civilian harm mitigation.’
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