The Nigerian Air Force has recorded another major battlefield success after carrying out a coordinated air interdiction operation against terrorist elements at AbbagaJiri in the notorious Timbuktu Triangle, clearing the way for advancing ground forces under Operation HADIN KAI.
The precision operation, conducted on Thursday, followed actionable multi-source intelligence that confirmed the presence of active terrorists, fortified structures and concealed logistics hubs in the area. NAF air assets were subsequently deployed in an integrated mission combining intelligence, surveillance and precision strikes to neutralise the identified targets.
In a statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the mission was carefully planned to significantly degrade terrorist capabilities while denying them safe havens in the region.
“The operation was deliberately designed to degrade terrorist capability, deny sanctuary and shape the battlespace for ground forces, in strict adherence to established rules of engagement and the protection of non-combatants,” Ejodame stated.
He added that the successful air strikes have created favourable conditions for ground troops to exploit the gains and sustain pressure on fleeing terrorist elements within the Timbuktu Triangle, long regarded as a key enclave for insurgent activity.
Reacting to the outcome of the mission, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described the operation as a clear demonstration of the Nigerian Air Force’s growing ability to dominate the air domain in support of joint operations.
“The success of this mission reflects the Nigerian Air Force’s resolve to deliver precise and decisive airpower in support of ground forces, while maintaining air superiority across the theatre,” Air Marshal Aneke said.
Reaffirming the NAF’s operational posture, the Air Chief stressed that air operations would remain relentless, intelligence-driven and closely coordinated with ground forces to ensure sustained pressure on terrorist networks.
He assured Nigerians that the Air Force remains fully committed to supporting joint efforts to dismantle insurgent strongholds and restore lasting peace and security to affected communities in the North East.
