Airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircrafts have eliminated scores of terrorists responsible for violent raids and abductions of civilians along the Maiduguri-Damaturu and Damaturu-Biu roads in Borno State.

The strikes also destroyed the terrorists? enclave within the Timbuktu Triangle, a notorious region known for its terrorist stronghold in North East Nigeria.

A statement yesterday by the NAF?s Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, Group Captain Kabiru Ali, said the strikes were launched after intelligence reports about the terrorists? presence in the area.

The statement said the airstrikes were launched in ?a series of decisive and precision-guided air interdiction missions between March 17 and 19, by NAF aircraft in the ?fortified terrorists hideouts in Chiralia, Grazah, Yuwe, and Zango Hill.?

It said: ?On 17 March 2025, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) launched a devastating airstrike on Chiralia, a notorious terrorist enclave within the Timbuktu Triangle. Intelligence reports revealed that the insurgents had been orchestrating violent raids along the Maiduguri-Damaturu and Damaturu-Biu highways, abducting civilians and plundering supplies. In response, a formidable force package of NAF attack aircraft unleashed a precise and overwhelming assault, obliterating multiple enemy structures and eliminating terrorists desperately attempting to escape with follow-up strikes.

?The following day, the NAF launched a devastating air interdiction operation at Grazah, a well-fortified terrorist hideout in the treacherous Mandara Mountains, and at Yuwe, a notorious insurgent stronghold in Sambisa Forest along the volatile Damboa-Bitta highway. At Grazah, intelligence reports exposed extremist leaders indoctrinating fighters, reinforcing the urgency of the strike.

?In a ferocious assault, NAF fighter jets unleashed a relentless barrage of precision strikes on key targets advancing purposeful lethality. Follow-up strikes intensified the offensive, obliterating fleeing terrorists at both locations and delivering a crushing blow to their operational networks.?

The NAF said similar strikes were launched in the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji in the North West within the same period.

It said: ?The Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) executed a relentless aerial assault in Zango Hill, Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, in close coordination with ground forces. Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions uncovered armed bandits entrenched in the rugged high ground, triggering the swift deployment of NAF attack aircraft.

?The precision strikes pounded enemy positions, while follow-up bombardments targeted regrouping fighters attempting to evade destruction. NAF helicopters delivered decisive Close Air Support, raining fire on bandits engaging friendly forces, ensuring the unimpeded advance of ground troops.

?The operation annihilated multiple armed criminals and obliterated their fortified hideouts, further crippling their operational foothold.? (The Nation)

Update news