The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reportedly destroyed a suspected terrorist enclave in Borno State, neutralising about 12 suspected insurgents during a precision airstrike conducted under Operation HADIN KAI.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed that the operation was carried out on August 4 after intelligence reports indicated renewed terrorist activity around Chiralia, a densely forested area believed to have served as a hideout for insurgents due to its difficult terrain and natural cover.
According to the report, an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform was deployed at about 11:40 a.m. to conduct an armed reconnaissance mission over the area.
During the surveillance, the aircraft reportedly identified suspected terrorists moving within the location, along with several concealed structures believed to have been used as operational shelters, logistics hubs and staging points for insurgent activities.
Following confirmation of the targets, NAF attack aircraft launched precision strikes on the identified positions, recording direct hits on the concealed structures.
A post-strike Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) reportedly confirmed that the suspected terrorist camp and its supporting infrastructure were destroyed, while about 12 suspected insurgents were neutralised during the operation.
Makama added that secondary explosions and fires observed after the airstrike indicated that weapons, equipment and other supplies stored within the enclave were also destroyed.
Military sources described the mission as an intelligence-led operation that highlights the increasing coordination between aerial surveillance and precision strike capabilities under Operation HADIN KAI.
The sources said the operation is expected to significantly degrade the operational capacity of the terrorist cell by denying it a safe haven and disrupting its ability to regroup, plan attacks and maintain logistics in the area.
Although the overall security situation across the North-East remains relatively calm, Makama noted that military authorities consider the threat to be unpredictable due to the fluid movement of insurgents. He added that troops will continue sustained offensive operations targeting terrorist hideouts across the region.
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