The Nigerian military says coordinated air operations by Operation HADIN KAI have neutralised about 36 suspected terrorists in separate precision strikes across Borno State.
The disclosure was made in a statement signed by the Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, on Saturday.
Goni said the operations were conducted following credible intelligence and confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions that identified movements and concentrations of suspected terrorists.
According to him, the strikes successfully disrupted attempts by terrorist elements to assemble, regroup and operate freely within the theatre.
In one operation, an armed reconnaissance platform detected suspected terrorists around the Aduwa axis in Monguno Local Government Area before identifying a larger concentration within a settlement.
Following the necessary operational procedures and authorisation, the military conducted a precision strike on the identified target. Goni said subsequent battle damage assessment indicated that about 16 suspected terrorists were neutralised in two precision strikes.
He added that continued surveillance detected another group attempting to regroup away from the initial target area. A further precision engagement was carried out, with the military assessing that about 10 suspected terrorists were successfully engaged.
In a separate operation around Buratai in Biu Local Government Area, another Operation HADIN KAI air platform tracked a group of suspected terrorists gathered at a location.
Goni said the platform conducted a precision strike after sustained surveillance and the required authorisation, with subsequent assessment indicating that about 10 more suspected terrorists were neutralised.
The military said the operations demonstrate the growing effectiveness of its integrated ISR capabilities in detecting and disrupting terrorist movements before they can pose threats to troops and vulnerable communities.
Goni said the latest strikes are expected to further restrict terrorist freedom of movement, disrupt their command and control structures and put additional pressure on their logistics and fighting formations.
He added that the military’s kinetic operations are being complemented by non-kinetic measures, including community engagement, strategic communication, counter-messaging, humanitarian coordination and efforts to encourage terrorists and their associates to abandon violence and surrender.
According to the statement, an increasing number of surrenders recorded in recent weeks indicates growing pressure on terrorist networks and provides an alternative pathway for those willing to renounce violence.
Operation HADIN KAI also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security forces.
The Joint Task Force said community cooperation remains critical to early threat detection, protection of lives and property, and the consolidation of security gains across the North-East.
It said coordinated operations would continue as part of efforts to degrade terrorist networks and create conditions for the restoration of peace, security and normal socio-economic activities in the regio
