Nigerian Air Force (NAF)Decimates Terrorist Elements in Sambisa Strongholds Through Coordinated Airstrikes
In a significant blow to terrorist operations in Nigeria’s northeastern region, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) executed two meticulously coordinated airstrikes on Thursday, successfully neutralizing a substantial number of insurgents and dismantling their key hideouts within Borno State.
These precision-guided operations, conducted under the operational framework of the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, specifically targeted the notorious terrorist enclaves of Kollaram and Arra. These locations have long been identified as critical strongholds for insurgent activities, strategically situated within the expansive Sambisa general area and the volatile Southern Tumbuns.
The details of these successful engagements were officially disclosed through a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information at Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet. According to the statement, the initial airstrike was executed with remarkable precision at approximately 5:30 a.m., targeting the Kollaram area. This operation was initiated based on credible intelligence reports and corroborating surveillance footage, which unequivocally confirmed the significant presence of high-value terrorist commanders and the existence of crucial operational facilities within the location.
Air Commodore Gabkwet’s statement highlighted the strategic importance of the target, noting that Kollaram served as a known insurgent hub.
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The intelligence gathered prior to the strike not only pinpointed the presence of key terrorist leaders but also identified several operational structures, some of which were equipped with solar panels, indicating a degree of established infrastructure. Leveraging this intelligence, Nigerian Air Force assets executed a precise and impactful strike, resulting in the elimination of numerous enemy combatants and the incapacitation of vital terrorist infrastructure.
Continuing their offensive operations later the same day, at approximately 3:55 p.m., the Nigerian Air Force conducted a second targeted airstrike in the Arra region, also situated within the Sambisa axis. This subsequent operation was informed by real-time visual intelligence obtained through diligent Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. These aerial reconnaissance efforts revealed significant clusters of armed militants actively engaged in operational activities within the identified area.
Employing precision-guided munitions, the Nigerian Air Force assets effectively engaged the identified terrorist concentrations in Arra. The successful execution of this airstrike led to the comprehensive destruction of the designated targets, inflicting substantial damage on the operational capabilities of the insurgent group. The coordinated nature of these two strikes underscores the Nigerian military’s proactive approach in disrupting and dismantling terrorist networks within their established strongholds.
Air Commodore Gabkwet emphasized the strategic significance of these airstrikes, stating that they form an integral part of an ongoing and intensified aerial campaign. This sustained effort is strategically aimed at systematically degrading the overall capabilities of the terrorist organizations operating in the region. The objectives of this campaign include dismantling their complex leadership structures, eliminating key insurgent sanctuaries, and ultimately creating a more secure environment for the civilian population
Simultaneous Ground Operations Neutralize Notorious Terrorist Kingpin and Others
In a parallel development highlighting the multi-pronged approach of the Nigerian security forces, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced on Thursday the successful neutralization of a notorious terrorist kingpin, identified as Bello Kaura. This significant achievement was the result of a precision airstrike conducted by the troops of Operation Fasan Yamma. The elimination of Bello Kaura was part of a broader series of successful counter-terrorism operations conducted by Nigerian troops between April 10 and 16, 2025, during which scores of other terrorists were also neutralized.
According to a statement released by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, these impactful operations were carried out through collaborative efforts involving troops, other security agencies, and hybrid forces. The coordinated actions spanned across several states, including Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Niger, Kwara, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). These operations were characterized by intense engagements with terrorist elements, resulting in the deaths of numerous insurgents, the apprehension of several suspects, and the recovery of a substantial cache of arms and ammunition.
Major General Kangye provided a detailed breakdown of the operational activities conducted between April 10 and 16, 2025. During this period, troops executed fighting patrols and made direct contact with terrorist groups in various Local Government Areas (LGAs) across the affected states. These areas included Anka, Tsafe, Talata Mafara, Kaura Namoda, and Maru in Zamfara State; Gudu, Isa, and Tangaza in Sokoto State; Giwa, Chikun, and Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State; and Bida LGA in Niger State.
“During these encounters,” Major General Kangye stated, “many terrorists were neutralized, including an identified terrorist kingpin, Bello Kaura, in an air interdiction. Additionally, several terrorists were apprehended, and a total of 17 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued from their captors.” This underscores the dual impact of the operations, both in terms of neutralizing the threat posed by the insurgents and in securing the freedom of vulnerable civilians.
Military Efforts Thwart Oil Theft and Reaffirm Commitment to National Security
In addition to the successful counter-terrorism operations in the northern regions, Major General Kangye also highlighted the significant achievements of Operation DELTA SAFE in combating oil theft in the Niger Delta region during the week under review. He reported that the operation successfully foiled oil theft activities valued at over ₦262.7 million.
Providing a detailed breakdown of these successes, Major General Kangye stated that the troops prevented the theft of approximately 117,395 litres of stolen crude oil, 22,050 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 6,000 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 8,060 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). Furthermore, the operation led to the discovery and subsequent destruction of 102 illegal crude oil cooking ovens, 94 dugout pits used for illicit storage, 18 boats involved in illegal transportation, four speedboats, 56 storage tanks, 164 drums, and 42 active illegal refining sites. Other items recovered during these operations included pumping machines, drilling machines, galvanized pipes, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and nine vehicles used in the illegal activities.
Major General Kangye reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and ensuring the safety and security of all law-abiding citizens. He emphasized the military’s proactive stance, stating that they are determined to take the battle directly to the enemy, thereby denying them any operational freedom and compelling them to seek surrender.
“We are taking the battle to the enemy to deny them freedom of action, making them thirst for surrender,” Major General Kangye asserted. He further reaffirmed the “untiring commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to dominate and act in defence of our nation’s sovereignty while guaranteeing the protection of all law-abiding citizens to promote the betterment of our society.”
Major General Kangye assured the public that the military’s operations across all theaters of engagement remain focused, intelligence-driven, and are consistently conducted in line with the highest standards of professionalism and with due respect for human rights. He also made a renewed appeal to the civil populace to continue to support the ongoing military operations.
“We once again appeal that the civil populace trust us and see us as friends and partners working for the general good and well-being of the nation,” Major General Kangye stated. He concluded by acknowledging the daily sacrifices made by the gallant troops, saluting their courage and unwavering dedication to the service of the nation.
