By Harriet Tornguvan
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its offensive against insurgents in the North East, delivering a decisive blow to a terrorist enclave in Kangarwa, located in the Northern Tumbuns, as part of ongoing operations under Operation HADIN KAI.
The precision airstrike targeted a concentration of terrorists following credible intelligence reports, corroborated by sustained intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
In a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the operation was described as a major success in the military’s sustained effort to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries and restrict insurgents’ freedom of movement across the theatre.
According to the NAF, several terrorists were observed within the enclave, moving between structures and concealed positions before the strike. Upon positive identification, air assets executed multiple strike runs, delivering precision firepower on the identified targets.
The bombardment, the statement noted, destroyed critical infrastructure, including logistics hubs and operational structures, while neutralising scores of fighters. The enclave was left significantly degraded, reducing its effectiveness as a staging ground for terrorist activities.
Military authorities further disclosed that the strike disrupted insurgent movement in the area and created enabling conditions for ground forces to advance, dominate the terrain, and conduct follow-on clearance operations in coordination with air components.
The operation is believed to have inflicted heavy losses on fighters linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), with the group’s command and support structures in the area suffering a major setback.
The NAF stated that the success of the mission highlights the increasing synergy between air and ground forces within Operation HADIN KAI, reinforcing the military’s resolve to eliminate all terrorist hideouts.
Reacting to the development, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to sustained, intelligence-driven operations.
He assured that the NAF would continue to deploy precision air power in close coordination with ground troops until all terrorist enclaves are dismantled and lasting peace is restored across affected regions.
