The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has carried out a precision air interdiction operation against terrorist positions in Borno State, as part of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts under Operation HADIN KAI.

According to an official statement by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, aircraft of the Air Force executed the operation on 8 January 2026 at AbbagaJiri, located within the Timbuktu Triangle of Borno State.

The mission followed credible, multi-source intelligence identifying active terrorist hideouts, fortified structures, and concealed logistics facilities in the area.

Ejodame said the NAF’s air assets were deployed in a coordinated integrated surveillance and precision strike role, engaging and destroying the identified targets with minimal collateral risk.

“The operation was deliberately designed to degrade terrorist capability, deny sanctuary, and shape the battlespace for ground forces,” he stated, adding that actions were taken in strict adherence to established rules of engagement and the protection of non-combatants.

Subsequent to the air strikes, advancing ground troops confirmed the destruction of hostile structures and the neutralisation of armed elements observed converging on those locations. The success of the mission was described as a significant contribution to joint air-land operations in the region.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, affirmed that the outcomes of the operation reflect the NAF’s resolve to dominate the air domain in support of coordinated service efforts and to continue applying pressure on terrorist networks threatening national security.

He reiterated that the Air Force would sustain aggressive, intelligence-driven air operations until insurgent networks are effectively dismantled.

Borno State continues to be a key theatre in Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) factions.

The recent air interdiction builds on previous precision strikes in the region aimed at weakening insurgent infrastructure and logistics.