Military Airstrikes, Joint Ambush Neutralise 20 Terrorists in Borno, Yobe
The Nigerian military has neutralised at least 20 suspected terrorists, including Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, in coordinated airstrikes and a joint ground operation in Borno and Yobe states.
The operations, conducted under Operation Hadin Kai, involved precision airstrikes around Bulabulutube in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State and a joint ambush by troops and local hunters in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Security sources disclosed that the airstrikes were conducted at about 7:56 p.m. on November 8, following aerial surveillance that identified approximately 30 suspected terrorists gathered under a tree around Bulabulutube.
According to the sources, the first precision strike reportedly neutralised 15 fighters, while parts of a nearby building were destroyed.
The military aircraft subsequently tracked another group of five suspected terrorists fleeing the initial strike and taking cover under a tree before launching a second attack.
The ensuing battle damage assessment indicated that four additional fighters were neutralised, while a secondary explosion was observed, suggesting the possible destruction of explosive materials or other military supplies.
In a related operation, the aircraft proceeded towards the Lake Chad area following intelligence on a suspected terrorist logistics facility located at a crossing point.
A precision strike was subsequently launched against the structure, which was assessed to have been completely destroyed. No further movement was reportedly observed around the location.
Meanwhile, in Yobe State, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 27 Task Force Brigade, operating under Operation Hadin Kai, collaborated with local hunters to conduct an ambush against suspected terrorists in Gujba Local Government Area.
Security sources said the joint operation resulted in the neutralisation of one suspected ISWAP fighter as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restrict their movements in the area.
The operations underscore the military’s continued reliance on intelligence-led aerial surveillance, precision targeting and collaboration with local security partners to weaken terrorist formations, disrupt logistics networks and restrict insurgent movements across the North-East.
Troops and other security partners are expected to sustain offensive operations aimed at denying terrorist groups freedom of movement and access to operational bases across the region.
By TimesNG