By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), operating under Operation HADIN KAI, has recorded another major operational success following a precision air interdiction mission targeting terrorist hideouts at Abirma in Borno State.
The operation, carried out on March 17, 2026, was based on credible Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) that confirmed the presence of terrorist fighters within the settlement. Abirma, located in the southern axis of the Lake Chad region, has been identified as a key insurgent enclave.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Ehimen Ejodame, aerial surveillance revealed movements of insurgents around concealed structures hidden under dense vegetation—an evasion tactic commonly used to avoid detection.
Following thorough target verification in line with operational procedures, NAF air assets executed precision strikes on the identified locations. The strikes, delivered with precision-guided munitions, destroyed multiple terrorist structures and disrupted their activities in the area.
Preliminary Battle Damage Assessment indicated that the operation significantly degraded the terrorists’ ability to use the location as a staging ground for attacks across the Lake Chad Basin.
In a related development, NAF air assets, working closely with Nigerian Army troops, neutralised several terrorists during a failed infiltration attempt at Malam Fatori in Abadam Local Government Area in the early hours of March 18, 2026. The coordinated response prevented the insurgents from breaching defensive positions, reinforcing ongoing efforts to secure vulnerable border communities.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reassured Nigerians of the military’s continued commitment to safeguarding lives and protecting communities. He stated that ongoing air operations across multiple theatres are focused on denying terrorist and criminal elements the freedom to operate anywhere in the country.
He further emphasised that the Service remains committed to professionalism, strict adherence to rules of engagement, and internationally recognised standards in mitigating civilian harm, as part of broader joint force efforts to restore lasting peace and stability in the North East.
