In a major offensive against terrorism in Nigeria’s northeast, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has neutralised several top commanders of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in targeted airstrikes conducted in the Southern Tumbuns area of Borno State.
The operation, executed on Saturday, July 27, under Operation HADIN KAI, focused on ARINA WOJE—an ISWAP stronghold located within the Lake Chad region. According to military sources, the location had recently witnessed increased militant activity following clashes between rival terror factions.
Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed that the strikes followed a series of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions that tracked the return of insurgents to the enclave.
The ISR data revealed significant movement of foot soldiers and the reactivation of structures suspected to house command centres and logistics depots, all hidden under thick foliage.
“Acting on credible intelligence, NAF air assets launched a precision strike mission targeting key terrorist infrastructure,” said Air Commodore Ejodame. “Using guided munitions, our aircrews successfully engaged and destroyed multiple buildings sheltering ISWAP leaders, fighters, and supply stores.”
Preliminary battle damage assessments indicate the operation significantly degraded the group’s command-and-control capabilities and disrupted their resupply routes.
The Nigerian Air Force reiterated its commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist elements in the region and supporting ground forces in restoring peace and stability. Officials also highlighted the operation as a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of intelligence-led air power in counterterrorism campaigns.
