The air component of Operation Hadin Kai has successfully eliminated five key terrorist commanders in Arina, within the southern Tumbuns area of Borno State. The airstrike, conducted on August 16, also resulted in the deaths of 35 other terrorist fighters.
This was disclosed by Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja. Among the commanders neutralized were Munzir Arika, Sani Dilla (also known as Dan Hausawan Jubillaram), Ameer Modu, Dan Fulani Fari Fari, and Bakoura Arina Chiki.
Gabkwet detailed that the strikes were carried out following intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance missions conducted on August 12 and August 15, which identified numerous terrorists and concealed structures under trees. The coordinated airstrikes successfully targeted and destroyed these structures, leading to the elimination of several terrorists.
The battle damage assessment revealed that, in addition to the fatalities, several pieces of equipment, vehicles, water vessels, and a suspected medical dispensary were obliterated. The operation was initiated after intelligence indicated the migration of terrorists into the area from neighboring locations.
Gabkwet emphasized that the air interdiction aims to weaken the remaining terrorist activities in the northeast, while also safeguarding civilians and supporting troops. He added that the operation has significantly degraded the operational capacity of the remaining terrorist elements in the region.
The Nigerian Air Force reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies in their efforts to secure the region and restore peace.
