By Peter Omopo
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully carried out a precision air operation against terrorist hideouts in Abbaga Jiri, located within Borno State’s notorious Timbuktu Triangle, as part of the ongoing Operation Hadin Kai.
In a statement on Saturday, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information for the Air Force, said the strikes were designed to support advancing ground troops by neutralising terrorist threats ahead of their movement. The operation followed credible intelligence confirming the presence of armed elements, hideouts, and hidden logistics infrastructure in the area.
Ejodame explained that NAF platforms were deployed for both surveillance and precision strike missions, enabling forces to accurately identify and engage hostile targets. “The identified terrorist structures were decisively engaged and destroyed, denying the terrorists freedom of action. A follow-up engagement neutralised armed elements observed converging on the location,” he said. Ground troop advances into the area later confirmed the effectiveness of the air strikes, validating the success of the joint air–land operation.
Reacting to the mission, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described the outcome as evidence of the NAF’s determination to maintain air superiority in support of joint military efforts. He emphasized the Air Force’s commitment to providing accurate and decisive support to ground forces, stating, “Air operations will remain relentless and intelligence-driven. Our operations are carefully planned and intelligence-led, ensuring maximum effect on hostile elements while safeguarding innocent civilians.”
Aneke added that the operation underscored the NAF’s aggressive posture, precision employment of airpower, and vital role in sustaining operational momentum for ground troops. “The Nigerian Air Force will continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement, sanctuary, and logistics wherever they seek to hide. We will sustain pressure until terrorist networks are completely dismantled,” he said.
The air operation demonstrates the NAF’s ongoing commitment to protecting lives, property, and national security through coordinated and intelligence-led joint operations.
