Aftermath of President’s order: NAF airstrikes hit terrorists’ hideouts

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has launched precision air strikes against key terrorist strongholds nestled in the Mandara Mountains, located in Borno.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Mandara Mountains are a rugged volcanic mountain range located on the northeastern border of Nigeria and northern Cameroon.

The high-profile targets, Wa Jahode and Loghpere, the NAF said have long served as fortified enclaves for the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) faction of Boko Haram.

This is contained in a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, yesterday in Abuja.

Ejodame said the locations, known for their rugged mountain-covered terrain along Nigeria’s border with Cameroon, had recently witnessed increased terrorist activity, including reports of logistics build-up and the presence of senior JAS Commanders.

He said the strikes followed confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance missions revealing clusters of structures fitted with solar panels, black flags, and fortified compounds.

According to him, this was a clear sign of insurgent resurgence and preparations for coordinated attacks.

“In response, NAF strike aircraft executed a series of well-coordinated air interdictions, targeting and destroying high-value terrorist infrastructure, including logistics warehouses, command centres, and defensive shelters.

“Several terrorists were neutralised in the operation, effectively disrupting their supply chain and diminishing their capability to sustain further offensives.

“The Nigerian Air Force remains resolute to sustain ongoing onslaught against terrorists and restore lasting peace to all troubled regions across the Country,” he said.