The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has neutralised several high-value Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) commanders and fighters in a decisive air interdiction in the Lake Chad region.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday.
Ejodame explained that the mission, executed on Sunday, targeted Arina Woje, a notorious ISWAP stronghold in the Southern Tumbuns of Borno known for sheltering insurgent leaders.
He said the strike followed a series of credible Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) sorties that confirmed the return of terrorist elements to the area following recent inter-factional clashes.
According to him, ISR data revealed intense terrorist activity, including movement of foot soldiers, reactivation of structures, and concealment of possible command centres and logistics depots beneath dense vegetation.
He added that “acting on credible intelligence, NAF air assets were dispatched to undertake a focused strike mission. Aircrew on arrival acquired and prosecuted pre-selected targets using precision-guided munitions, achieving devastating effects.”
“Preliminary battle damage assessment reveals the destruction of several structures housing key ISWAP leaders, fighters, and logistics storage facilities, effectively disrupting the group’s operational planning and resupply efforts in the region.”
The NAF spokesperson said the operation demonstrated NAF’s continued commitment to dislodging terrorist elements, denying them freedom of movement, and supporting ground forces in restoring peace and stability across Nigeria.
He added that the operations also highlighted the effectiveness of intelligence-driven air power missions in modern counter-terrorism efforts.
(NAN)