The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) conducted a series of airstrikes in Borno and Yobe States, resulting in the elimination of over 160 members of Boko Haram and the destruction of their underground camps.
The airstrikes were part of Operation HADIN KAI and took place on November 2, 2023. One of the targeted areas was a terrorist enclave near Geidam in Yobe State, specifically Bulabulin, situated along the Komadugu-Yobe River.
It was identified as a key location for Boko Haram’s activities, including the coordination of recent attacks on local communities, such as Nguro Kayaya in Gaidam LGA.
These attacks resulted in the deaths of 16 individuals, and later, mourners who were attending the burial for these victims were targeted by an IED attack. Security analyst Zagazola Makama highlights the significance of the airstrikes in dismantling Boko Haram’s operations.
He said the airstrikes were synchronized with the ground troops in the area for maximum effect, recording devastating hits on the Boko Haram hideout and killing more than 100 of their fighters, destroying two gun trucks and some structures.
“The second set of airstrikes was at Degbawa village on the Mandara Mountains in Gwoza LGA in Borno State, where the airstrikes targeted a group of over 60 terrorists including some of their Field Commanders reported to be holding a meeting on how to attack some military locations around Gwoza and its environs.
“On-the-ground sources revealed that about 60 terrorists loyal to the notorious terrorist kingpin, Ali Ngulde, were obliterated while the few surviving terrorists scampered for safety with various degrees of wounds.
“The source further revealed that the troops of Operation Hadin Kai have been charged to intensify intelligence-led coordinated combined actions of both the ground and Airforce to annihilate the terrorists and end terrorism in the North-East as soon as possible,” Makama stated.
