The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has given insight into how the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, delivered a crushing blow to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, killing their commanders and fighters in the Southern Tumbuns at Arina, Borno State.
NAF Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa,said in a statement on Saturday night that the airstrikes by its Air Component working in support of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts by the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), also obliterated the terrorists’ strategic hideouts in the Southern Tumbuns area.
Air Commodore explained that the strikes was launched “after credible intelligence revealed a mass movement of ISWAP fighters from the Lake Chad Basin to the Southern Tumbuns.”
The full statement reads: “On 7 November 2024, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, in support of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts by the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), delivered a crushing blow to ISWAP terrorists, neutralizing more insurgents and obliterating strategic hideouts in the Southern Tumbuns at Arina. This successful strike marks a major leap forward in Nigeria’s relentless counter-terrorism campaign, significantly weakening the enemy’s stronghold.
“The strikes were launched after credible intelligence revealed a mass movement of ISWAP fighters from the Lake Chad Basin to the Southern Tumbuns, gearing up for coordinated assaults in the area. Further intel pinpointed high-value ISWAP commanders and clusters of militants hidden under thick vegetation at Arina Woje, triggering a series of powerful, precision air raids.
“During the mission, NAF fighter jets unleashed a torrent of bombs and cannon fire, delivering a devastating and pinpoint assault on terrorist hideouts. Swift mop-up strikes followed, wiping out fleeing insurgents and ensuring total elimination of the threat.
“A previous airstrike on October 30, 2024, at Arina Woje had already dealt a critical blow to ISWAP, neutralizing around 50 terrorists, including a commander known as Qaid Bashir Dauda. This accomplishment represents a significant stride in the AFN’s unwavering counter-terrorism campaign, dealing a powerful blow to enemy strongholds.
“Utilizing advanced ISR capabilities and precision strikes, the AFN remains steadfast in tackling the ever-evolving threat posed by ISWAP and other terrorist factions. The NAF will persist in delivering powerful air support through both independent and joint operations to eliminate all threats undermining Nigeria’s peace and security.”
