Joint operation Hadin Kai airstrikes neutralize Borno terrorists

In a coordinated effort, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) and the Nigerien Air Force executed a successful operation on Tuesday, eliminating numerous terrorists and destroying their hideouts in Damasak and Mobbar Local Government Areas of Borno State.

The Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, disclosed this in a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to Gabkwet, the operation was conducted as part of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) operations.

The terrorists had attempted to launch an attack on troops of Sector 4 of the MNJTF stationed in Lada, a border town between Niger Republic and Nigeria. After their failed attempt, the terrorists fled across the border into Nigeria.

Tracking their movements, the fleeing terrorists, riding on eight motorcycles, were later located at two separate locations in Zarri village, approximately 28 kilometres east of Damasak, and Mala Alide in Mobbar areas of Borno State. They were observed taking cover in the village with their motorcycles hidden under trees.

In response, airstrikes were conducted by the Air Component of OPHK and the Nigerien Air Force, with the assistance of Niger’s Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, targeting the terrorists’ locations.

Subsequent real-time ISR footage confirmed the elimination of numerous terrorists and the destruction of several structures within the targeted areas.

“Subsequently, airstrikes from the Air Component of OPHK and Nigerien Air Force, under the watchful eye of Niger’s Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, struck the terrorists’ locations.

“Real-time ISR footage later confirmed numerous terrorists were eliminated and several structures within the targeted areas destroyed.”

The collaborative efforts between the Nigerian and Nigerian forces have consistently yielded positive outcomes, contributing to the reduction of terrorism and other cross-border crimes perpetrated by criminals seeking to evade justice.

“Collaborative efforts of this nature have continued to yield positive outcomes on both sides of the border.

“It has also led to the reduction in terrorism and other forms of cross-border crimes perpetrated by criminals crisis-crossing the borders to evade justice.”