The Air Component of Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, has neutralised more than 18 terrorists and destroyed logistics hubs during a precision air interdiction operation at Tumbunma Baba in the Tumbuns general area of Borno State.
According to a statement signed by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the operation was conducted in the early hours of Friday, September 11, 2026, in close coordination with ground troops of Sector 1 OPHK.
The operation followed weeks of credible intelligence indicating the presence of high-profile terrorist elements at meeting and logistics nodes within the islands.
The intelligence was subsequently validated through surveillance conducted by the Theatre Command and confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations which commenced on Wednesday, September 9, pinpointing several terrorist structures and logistics hubs at the location.
Following positive identification of the targets, the air platforms engaged the designated locations with precision munitions, while ground troops occupied likely escape routes to prevent the terrorists from fleeing and provided further direct-fire engagements.
The coordinated strikes successfully destroyed the targeted structures and neutralised over 18 terrorist elements, dealing a significant blow to terrorist activities in the area and disrupting their logistics and support infrastructure.
Post-strike assessment indicated an estimated 85 per cent success in achieving the intended operational objectives.
The Theatre Command said the outcome demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations, timely ISR confirmation and the coordinated employment of air and ground forces against terrorist targets.
It reaffirmed that Operation HADIN KAI would continue to conduct intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders to deny terrorist elements the freedom to operate, regroup or establish logistics and support infrastructure across the North East Theatre.
The military also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing credible and timely information to security forces to support ongoing efforts to identify and disrupt terrorist activities across the theatre.
