The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has reportedly destroyed a suspected terrorist enclave in Borno State, neutralising about 12 suspected insurgents during a precision airstrike carried out under Operation HADIN KAI.

The operation was reported by security analyst, Zagazola Makama.

According to the report, the airstrike was conducted on August 4 after intelligence revealed renewed terrorist activities around Chiralia, a densely forested area believed to have been used by insurgents as a hideout because of its difficult terrain and natural cover.

Makama reported that an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, ISR, platform was deployed at about 11:40am. to carry out an armed reconnaissance mission over the area.

During the surveillance operation, the aircraft reportedly identified suspected terrorists moving within the location alongside several concealed structures believed to have served as operational shelters, logistics bases and staging points for insurgent activities.

“After confirming the targets, attack aircraft carried out precision strikes on the identified locations, recording direct hits on the concealed structures,” the report stated.

A post-strike Battle Damage Assessment, according to Makama, confirmed that the suspected terrorist camp and its supporting infrastructure were destroyed, while about 12 insurgents were neutralised during the operation.

Makama further reported that secondary explosions and fires observed after the strike suggested that additional weapons, equipment and supplies stored within the enclave were also destroyed.

Military sources, according to the report, described the mission as an intelligence-driven operation that reflected the growing coordination between aerial surveillance and precision strike capabilities under Operation HADIN KAI.

The sources added that the operation is expected to weaken the operational capacity of the terrorist cell by denying it a safe haven and disrupting its ability to regroup, plan attacks and sustain logistics within the area.

Makama noted that although the overall security situation across the theatre remains relatively calm, military authorities believe the threat remains unpredictable because of the fluid movement of insurgents, adding that troops will continue sustained offensive operations against terrorist hideouts across the North-East.