NAF airstrikes kill over 25 terrorists in Yobe, Borno

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced the elimination of more than 25 terrorists in a series of precision night airstrikes conducted in Yobe and Borno States.

According to a statement released on Saturday by NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the operation was launched on September 18 after ground troops provided credible intelligence on terrorist movements.

The strikes targeted hideouts in the Bula area of Yobe and the Banki axis of Borno, both known to serve as operational bases for insurgent activities.

According to him, surveillance and strike aircraft were deployed following credible intelligence. “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) through the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI (AC OPHD) has neutralised over 25 terrorists in a coordinated night operation at Bula Yobe and Banki on 18 September 2025,” he stated.

He explained that intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms tracked the movements of insurgents north of Banki and passed live updates to ground troops and command bases.

“The ISR platform established contact with ground forces, tracked terrorist movements and identified multiple groups around the north of Banki. Real-time updates were relayed to ground troops and base operations, enabling synchronised action,” Ejodame added.

The statement further disclosed that strike aircraft launched three successive precision attacks on the fighters’ routes and assembly points. “Subsequently, the strike aircraft engaged the terrorists in three successive precision strikes on their movement routes and assembly areas, effectively neutralising more than 25 fighters. Post-strike surveillance confirmed ground forces in their defensive positions with no further threats observed in the area,” it said.

Ejodame stressed that the mission underscores NAF’s determination to deny terrorists freedom of movement and sustain support for ground troops battling insurgents in the North-East.

This comes just days after Nigerian forces killed three ISWAP commanders during an attempted ambush in Cross-Kauwa, near Lake Chad.

The slain commanders were identified as Modu Dogo Munzir of Dogon Chukun, another unnamed Munzir, and Abu Aisha, Qaid of Tumbun Mota. Eight additional fighters were also neutralised in the failed attack, which followed the detonation of a command improvised explosive device a day earlier.