Military Airstrikes neutralizes nine terrorists, destroy logistics carts in Borno
By Zagazola Makama
The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has neutralised nine suspected terrorists and destroyed three carts believed to be carrying weapons and logistics during a precision air strike at Dumba in Borno State.
The operation was conducted on Saturday, Aug. 8, following credible intelligence on terrorist activities around the Dumba area.
According to a military situation report obtained by Zagazola Makama, the operation was executed during an armed reconnaissance and air interdiction mission.
The sources said the aircraft, established overhead Dumba at about 2:58 p.m. after intelligence indicated the presence of suspected terrorists in the area.
On reaching the target location, the aircraft reportedly detected a group of three suspected terrorists walking along a road and another group of six terrorists pushing three carts suspected to be laden with weapons and other logistics.
Rather than engaging immediately, the aircraft maintained surveillance and tracked the terrorists until both groups converged and came to a halt at a location inside the bush.
The nine terrorists were subsequently engaged in a precision strike, resulting in the neutralisation of all nine.
The air platform thereafter returned to the area where the terrorists had been observed and conducted a second strike on the three carts earlier sighted carrying suspected weapons and logistics.
Battle damage assessment indicated that all three carts were destroyed and engulfed in flames, further degrading the terrorists’ logistics capability in the area.
The latest operation illustrates the growing importance of intelligence-led air reconnaissance in identifying and tracking mobile terrorist elements before they can establish temporary hideouts or move weapons and supplies across the theatre.
The successful strike also comes amid sustained air and ground operations by OPHK aimed at disrupting terrorist movements, logistics networks and freedom of action across the North-East.
Military sources said the overall situation in the area remained calm but unpredictable, while troops maintained satisfactory morale and fighting efficiency.
