NAF Destroys Terrorist Hideouts In Borno, Foils Infiltration Attempt

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said its Air Component under Operation Hadin Kai carried out a precision airstrike on terrorist hideouts in Abirma, Borno State, killing several insurgents.

The operation, according to the NAF, was conducted on March 17, 2026, in the southern axis of the Lake Chad region.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the mission was based on credible intelligence confirming the presence of terrorists in the area.

He explained that surveillance revealed movements of insurgents around concealed structures hidden under dense vegetation.

Ejodame said, “Subsequent aerial observation revealed insurgent movements around concealed structures deliberately hidden under dense vegetation, a tactic frequently employed to evade detection.

“Following positive target identification and rigorous verification in line with established operational procedures, NAF air assets executed precision strikes on the identified locations.”

Ejodame said the strikes were carried out using precision-guided munitions, leading to the destruction of multiple terrorist structures.

“The targets were engaged with precision munitions, resulting in the destruction of multiple terrorist structures and the disruption of their activities in the area,” he added.

He noted that preliminary battle damage assessment indicated that the operation significantly weakened the insurgents’ capacity to use the area as a staging ground for attacks.

“Preliminary Battle Damage Assessment indicates that the strikes significantly degraded the terrorists’ capacity to utilise the location as a staging ground for attacks across the Lake Chad Basin,” he said.

In a related development, the NAF said its air assets, in collaboration with Nigerian Army troops, foiled an infiltration attempt by terrorists at Malam Fatori in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.

The incident occurred in the early hours of March 18, 2026.

Ejodame said, “NAF air assets, in close coordination with Nigerian Army troops, neutralised several terrorists during a foiled infiltration attempt at Malam Fatori.

“The joint response successfully prevented the insurgents from breaching defensive positions, thereby reinforcing ongoing efforts to stabilise the border communities.”

The Air Force said the operations highlight its continued reliance on intelligence-driven air power in the fight against terrorism in the North-East.

Ejodame quoted the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, as reaffirming the military’s commitment to protecting lives and maintaining security across the country.

He said the Air Force would sustain operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks while adhering strictly to rules of engagement and international standards on civilian protection.