In a decisive show of force, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed the killing of over 35 Boko Haram militants in a targeted airstrike on Friday in Borno State, one of the deadliest zones in Nigeria’s long-running war against terror.
The operation, part of “Operation Hadin Kai,” zeroed in on a major insurgent hideout in the notorious Timbuktu Triangle near the Sambisa Forest. According to NAF spokesperson Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, the strike followed days of intense aerial surveillance that revealed unusual movement of fighters, weapons, and motorcycles.
“We struck after confirming a terrorist presence. The impact was immediate—over 35 killed, several others fled with injuries,” Gabkwet stated.
The airstrike also destroyed arms stockpiles, training camps, and tactical shelters used by the militants, further crippling their ability to regroup or launch attacks in the near future.
Residents of nearby Gwoza and Bama reported hearing heavy explosions and low-flying jets, confirming the intensity of the raid. Local leaders, while cautious, praised the military’s effort, urging sustained pressure on the terrorists to prevent a resurgence.
The Sambisa region has long been a hideout for Boko Haram and its offshoot, ISWAP, who have waged a brutal insurgency since 2009. The conflict has claimed over 50,000 lives and displaced more than two million people across Nigeria and its neighboring countries.
Friday’s airstrike is being hailed by security experts as a tactical win for the Nigerian military, signaling tighter intelligence coordination and renewed momentum in counterterrorism operations. It also underscores the importance of air power in targeting militants operating in hard-to-reach terrains.
Military sources confirmed that ground troops have since been deployed to sweep the area, search for survivors, and gather additional intelligence.
While this is far from the end of the insurgency, it marks a critical victory in a region that has suffered relentless attacks, abductions, and displacement for over a decade.
The Nigerian Air Force has reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling terror cells and restoring peace in the North-East, calling for continued public support and inter-agency collaboration.
As the nation watches, this operation sends a clear message: Boko Haram’s reign of terror is being met with force, precision, and resolve.
Love Reading Authentic News Stories, Click The Button Below
