Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) has killed at least nine suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists and destroyed several vehicles during precision strikes around Cross Kauwa and Ali Sherifti in northern Borno state.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the operation began on June 6, 2026, targeting terrorists attempting to regroup within the Lake Chad axis.
Sources told the publication that the mission was triggered by an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platform that detected suspicious activities at a suspected terrorist hideout in Cross Kauwa. Aerial surveillance identified about 12 vehicles concealed under trees, while suspected terrorists were seen moving between cover positions to evade detection.
"The discovery pointed to what appeared to be a major terrorist staging area used for logistics, movement coordination, and possible attack planning," Makama stated.
Following authorisation from theatre command authorities, a strike aircraft executed a precision attack against a cluster of vehicles within the hideout. The munition struck with remarkable accuracy, resulting in direct hits on four vehicles. Flames immediately engulfed the targeted vehicles while terrorists were seen fleeing in different directions.
Real-time battle damage assessment indicated the strike had achieved its intended effect, disrupting enemy activities and creating confusion among the insurgents.
As surveillance continued, additional movements were observed. Three vehicles attempted to withdraw from the location while several fighters sought cover beneath nearby trees. Maintaining constant observation, two air platforms coordinated closely to prevent the terrorists from regrouping or escaping.
The mission then shifted focus to the Ali Sherifti area after receiving intelligence that ISWAP fighters were preparing attacks on nearby communities. Using advanced surveillance capabilities, the aircraft located a group of eight terrorists concealed beneath a tree. A precision strike killed five of them.
Continuing the assault, the aircraft identified four additional terrorists moving toward a vehicle hidden under tree cover. A follow-up precision strike eliminated all four and completely destroyed the concealed vehicle. Military sources noted that the operation demonstrated the increasing effectiveness of intelligence-led air power in counter-terrorism operations.
The operation has significantly degraded ISWAP's logistics and mobility within the Lake Chad axis. It is part of a broader campaign to dismantle terrorist networks in the region. Over the years, coordinated air and ground offensives under Operation Hadin Kai have targeted ISWAP and JAS enclaves across the Lake Chad Basin and Sambisa axis. Recent operations have increasingly combined intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) with precision airstrikes, aimed at disrupting command structures, logistics hubs and mobility routes.
Security analysts have observed that this sustained approach is forcing insurgents to abandon fortified island enclaves and disperse into smaller cells. The strikes come amid a wider crackdown on terrorist financing and logistics. On June 5, 2026, the Department of State Services (DSS) intercepted medical supplies meant for wounded ISWAP fighters in Kaga LGA.
As of Tuesday, June 9, the Nigerian military has not issued an official statement on the latest operation. However, the Defence Headquarters is expected to release a detailed report in the coming days. Military authorities have vowed to continue aggressive operations aimed at restoring peace and security across the North East.
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