The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai has carried out successful airstrikes in Arina, Southern Tumbuns, Borno State, resulting in the elimination of five key terrorist commanders and over 35 foot soldiers.
The operation took place on August 16, 2024.
According to a statement from the Nigerian Air Force, the airstrikes targeted terrorists who had recently migrated into the area.
“Prior to the mission, intelligence had revealed the clandestine migration of terrorists into the area from neighboring locations,” said Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force.
The statement continued, “Confirmatory Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions were further conducted on August 12 and 15, 2024, which identified numerous terrorists and active structures concealed under trees.”
The airstrikes successfully engaged the targets, leading to the destruction of several terrorists’ equipment, vehicles, water vessels, and a suspected medical dispensary. The key terrorist commanders believed to be at the location included Munzir Arika, Sani Dilla (Dan Hausawan Jubillaram), Ameer Modu, Dan Fulani Fari Fari, and Bakoura Arina Chiki.
“Battle Damage Assessment after the strikes revealed that several equipment, vehicles, water vessels, and a suspected medical dispensary were obliterated by the strikes,” the statement added.
The Nigerian Air Force confirmed that the strikes significantly weakened the operational capacity of the remaining terrorists in the region. “This operation, no doubt, has significantly degraded the operational capacity of the few remaining terrorists in the region,” the statement said.
