Military eliminates 18 terrorists, destroys logistics bases in Borno

The Nigerian military has recorded a major success in its counter-terrorism operations in Borno State, with more than 18 terrorists neutralised and several logistics facilities destroyed in precision air strikes.

The operation was carried out by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) in the Tumbunma Baba area of the state, according to the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Capt. Mohammed Goni.

Goni disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, explaining that the operation involved a coordinated deployment of air and ground forces against a suspected terrorist enclave in the Tumbuns general area.

He said the military had spent weeks gathering intelligence on the activities of high-profile terrorists believed to be using meeting points and logistics locations within the islands.

According to him, additional surveillance and confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions conducted on September 9 helped security forces identify the terrorist structures and logistics facilities targeted in the operation.

The intelligence gathered subsequently led to precision strikes in the early hours of Friday.

Goni explained that air assets attacked the identified targets with precision-guided munitions, while ground troops positioned themselves along possible escape routes to engage fleeing terrorists.

“The air strikes successfully destroyed the targeted structures and neutralised over 18 terrorist elements,” he said.

He added that the operation significantly disrupted the terrorists’ logistics network and weakened the enclave’s ability to function as a meeting point and support base.

The military spokesman said an assessment carried out after the strikes indicated that about 85 per cent of the operation’s objectives had been achieved.

He attributed the outcome to effective intelligence gathering, timely confirmation through ISR operations and the coordinated use of air and ground forces.

Goni assured that OPHK would continue its intelligence-driven operations aimed at preventing terrorists from freely operating, regrouping or establishing logistics facilities.

He also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible and timely information that could assist ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.