How The Nigeria Air Force Destroyed Terrorist Watercraft, Neutralised Fighters In Borno

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), under the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, has destroyed terrorist watercraft and neutralised several fighters in coordinated night airstrikes across riverine areas of Kukawa Local Government Area in Borno State.

The development was disclosed on Tuesday by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, via his X handle.

According to the report, the operations targeted terrorist hideouts around the Malimbe–Masaram Island axis and parts of the Northern Tumbuns following sustained intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance that indicated increased movement and logistics activity by insurgents in the area.

Security sources said the airstrikes were carried out on January 18 using precision-guided munitions to limit collateral damage.

According to the sources, several fighters belonging to Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, JAS, were killed, while boats used for mobility and logistics across the Lake Chad waterways were destroyed.

They added that surviving insurgents abandoned their positions at Malimbe and Toumbun Beriberi and fled toward the Abadam axis after the strikes.

“Post-strike assessment showed the terrorists withdrawing in disarray, with indications that they suspected their movements had been compromised,” one of the sources said.

The sources noted that air and ground surveillance has been intensified in the area to prevent possible reprisal attacks against civilians.

Meanwhile, the NAF also carried out another air interdiction operation on January 20 at a newly identified terrorist enclave in the Northern Tumbuns, codenamed “Rackstar.”

The location was said to be a suspected hideout for Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, fighters and was allegedly used for weapons servicing and improvised explosive device, IED, assembly.

ISR conducted ahead of the strike reportedly revealed active structures, gatherings of fighters, as well as the presence of a solar panel and a black flag, suggesting operational use of the enclave.

The targets were subsequently engaged, degrading the group’s operational and logistics capabilities.

Military sources said the air operations form part of ongoing efforts to deny terrorists freedom of movement and sanctuary within the Lake Chad basin and surrounding areas.