No fewer than 12 insurgents were killed after missiles from the air component of Operation Hadin Kai struck a concealed terrorist enclave in Borno State.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, the operation was carried out on August 4 following credible intelligence indicating renewed terrorist activity around Chiralia, a densely wooded area long used by insurgents as a hideout due to its difficult terrain and natural camouflage.
The publication said intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets were deployed at about 11:40 a.m. during an armed reconnaissance mission over the target area.
“During the mission, the surveillance crew identified several terrorists moving within the enclave, alongside a number of concealed life-support structures carefully hidden beneath thick vegetation,” Makama reported.
“The facilities were assessed to be serving as operational shelters, logistics hubs and staging points for terrorist activities.
“Upon confirming the targets, the platform maintained continuous surveillance while relaying real-time intelligence and precise target coordinates, the attack aircraft executed a series of precision strikes on the identified locations, achieving direct hits on the concealed structures.
“Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) conducted immediately after the strike confirmed that the terrorist camp was completely destroyed, with the life-support structures reduced to rubble.”
Makama said approximately 12 terrorists were neutralised during the operation, while secondary explosions and sustained fires indicated the destruction of additional supplies and equipment stored within the enclave.
The publication added that military sources described the strike as a carefully coordinated intelligence-led operation that demonstrated growing synergy between airborne surveillance assets and precision strike capabilities.
They noted that the operation would significantly degrade the operational capability of the terrorist cell by denying it a safe haven and disrupting its ability to regroup, plan attacks and sustain logistics within the area.
“They added that the operation forms part of sustained offensive air campaigns aimed at locating and destroying terrorist sanctuaries across the North-East, particularly in remote forested locations where insurgents continue to seek refuge after suffering repeated setbacks from ground and air offensives,” Makama reported.
“The sources further disclosed that although the general security situation across the theatre remains calm, it is still unpredictable due to the fluid nature of terrorist movements.
“They, however, assured that troops of Operation HADIN KAI remain highly motivated, combat-ready and committed to sustaining offensive operations until all terrorist enclaves are dismantled and lasting peace is restored across the region.”