By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has dealt another heavy blow to terrorists in the North-East, killing more than 25 fighters in a coordinated night operation carried out by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI (AC OPHD) at Bula Yobe and Banki on September 18, 2025.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the operation was launched after ground troops provided intelligence on terrorist movements in the area. Acting on the reports, a force package comprising Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms and attack aircraft was deployed.
According to Ejodame, the ISR platform established contact with ground forces, tracked the movement of multiple terrorist groups north of Banki, and relayed real-time updates to base operations and troops on the ground. “This facilitated synchronised action between the air and ground forces,” he said.
He explained that the strike aircraft then carried out three successive precision strikes on the terrorists’ movement routes and assembly areas, effectively neutralising more than 25 fighters. Post-strike surveillance confirmed that ground forces maintained their defensive positions with no further threats observed in the area.
The Air Force spokesman noted that the successful operation underscores the NAF’s continued resolve to deny terrorists freedom of action and its unwavering support to ground troops in the fight to secure Nigeria’s North-East.
