Babajide Fadoju
The Air Component of Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has neutralised more than 18 terrorists and destroyed key logistics hubs during a precision air interdiction operation at Tumbunma Baba in the Tumbuns general area of Borno State.
The operation, conducted in coordination with ground troops of Sector 1 OPHK, followed weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance that identified the area as a meeting and logistics hub for high-profile terrorist elements.
Further surveillance and confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations conducted from Wednesday, September 9, 2026, pinpointed several terrorist structures and logistics facilities within the enclave.
Following positive target identification, air platforms engaged the designated locations with precision munitions in the early hours of Friday, September 11, while ground troops occupied likely escape routes to prevent fleeing terrorists and conduct follow-on engagements.
Post-strike assessment indicated that the operation achieved an estimated 85 per cent of its intended objectives, with the destruction of the targeted structures and neutralisation of over 18 terrorist elements. The strikes are also expected to significantly disrupt terrorist logistics and their ability to regroup and use the enclave as a support base.
The Theatre Command said the operation further demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations, timely ISR confirmation and coordinated air-ground operations in degrading terrorist capabilities across the North East.
It added that OPHK, in collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders, would sustain intelligence-driven operations to deny terrorists the freedom to operate, regroup or establish logistics and support infrastructure across the theatre.
The public was urged to remain vigilant and continue providing credible and timely information to security forces to support ongoing counter-terrorism operations.