The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) reported significant success in its ongoing fight against Boko Haram, as airstrikes on October 25 led to the elimination of numerous terrorists in Bula Marwa, Borno State. This action is part of Operation Hadin Kai, which aims to combat terrorist threats in the northeastern region of Nigeria.
Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, the Director of Public Relations and Information for NAF, issued a statement detailing the operation. He explained that intelligence operations identified Bula Marwa as a critical location for high-level meetings among Boko Haram leaders. Enhanced Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions confirmed an increase in terrorist activity in the area, including a surge of motorcycles and groups of armed individuals.
Following the intelligence gathered, NAF deployed fighter jets to conduct an air interdiction mission at the identified site. Upon their arrival, the ISR footage revealed suspected terrorists gathering at a specific point on twelve motorcycles. The motorcycles were tracked to a main meeting location where more terrorists had congregated.
“Accordingly, the first airstrike was executed, effectively engaging the target area,” Akinboyewa noted. Shortly after the initial attack, ISR aircraft monitoring the scene detected several terrorists returning to assess the damage and evacuate their injured members. In response, the NAF launched follow-up strikes, further neutralizing the threat.
Additionally, Akinboyewa reported that more ISR operations were carried out later that same day. These efforts identified another group of terrorists gathering beneath a large tree at a second location. NAF air assets then conducted a precision airstrike on this group, achieving a direct hit that eliminated several terrorists.