Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai neutralizes several of terrorists in Yobe

By: Zagazola Makama

The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai has neutralized several terrorists following a coordinated attack on Baimari Market in Bursari Local Government Area of Yobe State, sources said.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the response was triggered by real-time intelligence and persistent aerial surveillance that tracked the assailants as they attempted to disperse after the raid.

“On Jan. 29, at about 1900 hours, armed men suspected to be Boko Haram elements stormed Baimari Market in two vehicles and opened fire indiscriminately,” the officer said.

The sources explained that the attackers shot dead two civilians, Isah Mohammed, an employee of Aminco Global Company, and Umaru Dahiru, of Baimari Village, before stealing a company Hilux vehicle, setting another on fire and carting away food items.

According to the sources, the Air Component immediately launched intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, deploying an aircraft to trail the terrorists as they moved through the Geidam general area late on Jan. 29.

“At about 2341 hours, the aircraft picked up three suspect vehicles maneuvering tactically. They were monitored until one vehicle halted at a small settlement in the early hours of Jan. 30,” he said.

The sources said precision strikes were conducted at approximately 0130 hours at the identified location after confirming the presence of the terrorists.

According to the sources, “Battle Damage Assessment shows the target structure was destroyed, and the terrorists inside were neutralised. Persons in nearby buildings were seen fleeing the area. The mission was executed with professionalism and restraint to minimise collateral damage,” the sources said.

The sources said that ground forces and other air assets were placed on alert to exploit the operation.

The NAF officer stressed that the swift response demonstrated the surfaced and Air Component’s ability to combine intelligence, technology and operational discipline to deny terrorists freedom of action.

“Attack on our communities will be met with decisive, intelligence-led force. Operation Hadin Kai remains committed to protecting lives, degrading terrorist networks and supporting lasting peace restoration in the North-East,” he said.