The Nigerian Air Force has killed members of a terrorists group during an airstrike attack targeting an insurgent enclave under Operation HADIN KAI in Borno State.
The successful operation dealt another blow to terrorist activities after intelligence-led surveillance identified a hideout used for planning attacks, storing logistics and coordinating movements.
A post-strike battle damage assessment reportedly confirmed that the terrorist enclave was destroyed, while about 12 insurgents were killed during the mission.
Also, the assessment recorded the destruction of facilities believed to have supported the group’s logistics and operational planning.
It was gathered on Wednesday that the operation took place around the Chiralia area of Borno State yesterday after intelligence reports pointed to renewed terrorist activity within the densely forested terrain.
A military source involved in the operation said the terrain had served as a haven because of its natural cover.
According to the military source, surveillance and reconnaissance assets were deployed to verify the targets before attack aircraft launched the precision mission.
He said aerial surveillance detected terrorists moving around concealed structures believed to be operational bases and shelters.
“Following identification of the targets, the strike aircraft engaged the location with precision-guided attacks, achieving direct hits on the identified structures,” the military source stated.
Furthermore, the source reported that secondary explosions and fires erupted after the bombardment, an indication that weapons, ammunition and other military supplies stored inside the camp were also destroyed.
He described the operation as another example of the growing effectiveness of intelligence-driven air operations under Operation HADIN KAI.
He added that the integration of surveillance assets with precision strike capability has significantly improved the military’s ability to identify and eliminate terrorist positions.
“The objective is to deny terrorist groups the freedom to regroup, plan attacks or maintain their logistics network. Operations will continue until every identified hideout is dismantled”, the military source disclosed.