By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has thwarted a major Boko Haram terror plot aimed at disrupting Eid festivities in Borno State through a series of precision airstrikes that decimated terrorist hideouts and logistics structures in the Southern Tumbuns region.
In a coordinated offensive carried out on 5 and 6 June 2025 under Operation HADIN KAI, NAF aircraft executed targeted strikes on identified Boko Haram enclaves in Tumbumma Baba and Chiralia. According to an official signed statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the strikes were based on credible intelligence indicating that the locations were being used by the terrorists for storage, coordination, and planning of imminent attacks during the Eid period.
The airstrikes, described as highly effective, resulted in the neutralisation of several terrorists and the destruction of critical insurgent infrastructure. Battle Damage Assessments conducted after the operation confirmed direct hits on the targeted structures, significantly degrading the terrorists’ operational capacity.
“This pre-emptive action underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding civilian lives, maintaining the sanctity of national celebrations, and supporting broader national security objectives,” the statement read.
The successful interdictions are part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the Northeast aimed at denying insurgents the ability to regroup or launch offensives against civilian and military targets, particularly during periods of heightened public activity such as religious festivals.
The NAF reiterated its resolve to sustain the pressure on terrorist elements and work closely with other components of the Armed Forces and security agencies to restore peace and stability to all troubled parts of the country.
