By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri
The Air Component of Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), employing a force package comprising Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and attack platforms, conducted a successful air interdiction operation against a known terrorist enclave at Tumbunma Baba in the Tumbun general area of Borno State in close coordination with ground troops of Sector 1 OPHK, leading to the killing of over 18 terrorists with the destruction of their hubs.
This was disclosed by the Acting Media Information Officer of the Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation, Captain Mohammed Goni, in a press statement on Friday night.
He said, “The operation was built upon credible intelligence operations over the past weeks, which indicated the presence of high-profile terrorist elements in a convergence of meeting and logistics nodes within the islands.
“The intelligence was validated through further surveillance by Theatre Command and confirmatory ISR commencing on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, which pinpointed several terrorist structures and logistics hubs within the location, confirming the use of the area as a terrorist gathering and support base.
“This intelligence-led effort culminated in the kinetic operations successfully executed in the early hours of Friday, 11 September 2026.
“Following positive identification of the targets, the air platforms acquired and engaged the designated locations with precision munitions with ground troops occupying all likely escape routes for further direct fire engagements.
“The air strikes successfully destroyed the targeted structures and neutralized over 18 terrorist elements. The operation thus dealt a significant blow to terrorist activities in the area, disrupting their logistics and degrading their ability to use the enclave as a gathering and support base.
“Post-strike assessment indicated an estimated 85 percent success in achieving the intended operational objectives. The outcome further underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations, timely ISR confirmation, and coordinated employment of air assets in synergy with ground troops.
“Working in concert with all security agencies and stakeholders, OPHK will continue to conduct intelligence-driven operations to deny terrorist elements the freedom to operate, regroup, or establish logistics and support infrastructure across the theater.” Goni explained.
He then enjoined members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible and timely information to security forces to support ongoing efforts to identify and disrupt terrorist activities across the North East Theatre. End
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