The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has neutralised several high-ranking commanders and fighters of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in a precision airstrike in the Lake Chad region.
This was revealed in a statement on Monday by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
The strike, conducted on Sunday, targeted Arina Woje, a known ISWAP stronghold in the Southern Tumbuns of Borno State, frequently used as a sanctuary by insurgent leaders.
Ejodame explained that the operation followed credible Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, which confirmed the return of terrorist elements to the area after recent internal clashes within the group.
“ISR data revealed significant terrorist activity, including the movement of foot soldiers, reactivation of hideouts, and concealment of command centres and logistics beneath dense foliage,” he said.
Acting on this intelligence, NAF deployed air assets for a focused interdiction mission. Upon arrival, the aircrew identified and struck pre-selected targets with precision-guided munitions, delivering what Ejodame described as devastating effects.
“Preliminary battle damage assessment confirms the destruction of multiple structures used by ISWAP leaders and fighters, including logistics storage facilities, severely disrupting the group’s operations and supply lines,” he added.
The NAF spokesman reiterated the force’s commitment to denying terrorists freedom of movement, supporting ground operations, and restoring peace and stability in the region.
He concluded that the success of the strike highlights the strategic value of intelligence-led air operations in modern counterterrorism efforts.
