The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says its Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHD) has eliminated over 25 terrorists in coordinated night strikes around Bula Yobe and Banki in Borno State. The operation took place four days ago and was executed in close coordination with ground forces.
Providing details, NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said a “force package” of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and attack aircraft was deployed after actionable reports from troops. ISR teams established contact with ground elements, tracked multiple terrorist groups north of Banki, and relayed real-time updates to base operations. Strike aircraft then executed three successive precision engagements on movement routes and assembly points, “effectively neutralising more than 25 fighters.” Post-strike surveillance confirmed ground units in secure defensive positions, with no further immediate threats detected. Ejodame said the success underscores the Air Force’s resolve to deny terrorists freedom of action and sustain momentum in the North-East.
In a separate development, troops of the 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP) have intercepted and arrested 15 armed bandits in Plateau State. Division spokesperson Major Samson Zaikhom said the arrests followed credible intelligence linking a militia group to arson at Jamrop village in Qua’an Pan LGA on 19 September 2025. During the technology-enabled operation, troops recovered 15 fabricated rifles, 105 cartridges, and other items. The suspects and exhibits are in custody as efforts continue to apprehend fleeing accomplices.
Zaikhom noted that 3 Division/JTF OPEP is redoubling patrols and improving operational awareness across the Joint Operations Area (JOA) to curb violent crimes and expose the identities of criminal elements for prosecution.
The latest actions highlight the ongoing air–ground synergy in counterterrorism operations, combining precision airpower with intelligence-led ground maneuvers to degrade insurgent networks in the Northeast while stabilizing conflict-affected communities in the North-Central region.
