The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), operating under the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has recorded another major operational success after precision night air strikes destroyed terrorist watercraft and neutralised several fighters in the riverine areas of Kukawa Local Government Area, Borno State.

According to security sources who spoke with Zagazola Makama, the coordinated operations followed weeks of sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance, which revealed heightened terrorist movement and logistics activities around the Malimbe–Masaram Island axis and the Northern Tumbuns.

The sources disclosed that credible human intelligence and persistent aerial surveillance tracked the movement of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) elements transiting through Masaram Island, ahead of Malimbe, as well as Toumbun Beriberi in Kukawa LGA.

The precision strikes were executed under the cover of darkness on January 18, with air assets deploying guided munitions to ensure accuracy and minimise collateral damage. Several JAS fighters were neutralised during the operation, while their boats, used for mobility and logistics across the Lake Chad waterways and Tumbuns, were completely destroyed. Surviving elements reportedly abandoned their positions and fled the area.

Post-strike assessments indicated that the fleeing terrorists withdrew towards the Abadam axis in disarray, amid growing suspicion within their ranks that their movements had been compromised by informants. Security sources described the mission as highly successful, noting that continued air and ground surveillance is ongoing to prevent possible reprisals against civilians.

In a related development, the NAF also carried out another air interdiction mission on January 20 against a newly identified terrorist enclave codenamed “Rackstar” in the Northern Tumbuns. The location was reportedly being used by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements as a safe haven, including for IED assembly and weapons maintenance.

Confirmatory intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance conducted earlier revealed concealed terrorist structures within the waterlogged and densely vegetated terrain. Observations included gatherings of fighters at multiple points, as well as the presence of a solar panel and a black flag, indicating active occupation.

Selected targets were subsequently engaged, significantly degrading the terrorists’ command, logistics and operational capabilities. The sustained air operations, the sources added, form part of ongoing efforts under Operation HADIN KAI to deny terrorist groups freedom of movement, sanctuary and access to resources across the Lake Chad basin.