In a decisive blow to insurgency efforts, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) executed precision airstrikes on November 7, targeting Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the Southern Tumbuns area at Arina.
The air raids, part of Operation Hadin Kai, led to the elimination of a significant number of insurgents and the destruction of key ISWAP strongholds.
The strikes came after credible intelligence identified a large movement of ISWAP fighters relocating from the Lake Chad Basin to Southern Tumbuns, preparing for coordinated attacks.
Surveillance pinpointed ISWAP commanders and clusters of militants concealed within dense vegetation at Arina Woje, prompting the NAF to deploy a fleet of fighter jets for an intense aerial assault.
During the operation, NAF jets unleashed a barrage of bombs and cannon fire, leaving no avenue for escape. Follow-up mop-up operations targeted fleeing insurgents, ensuring the complete neutralization of hostile forces in the area.
This successful strike follows an earlier air raid on October 30, which neutralized approximately 50 ISWAP fighters, including a high-ranking commander, Qaid Bashir Dauda.
The recent operation is a continuation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s (AFN) robust counter-terrorism campaign, aimed at disrupting and dismantling ISWAP’s networks and operational bases.
Leveraging sophisticated Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, the AFN has demonstrated an unyielding commitment to eradicating insurgency threats and enhancing security across the region.
According to Air Commodore Olusola F. Akinboyewa, Director of Public Relations and Information, the NAF will continue to deliver powerful air support as part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to restore peace and stability.
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