The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI has destroyed a concealed terrorist enclave in Borno State, killing about 12 insurgents and demolishing key logistics and support structures during a precision airstrike, according to military sources.

The operation, carried out on August 4, followed credible intelligence indicating renewed terrorist activity around Chiralia, a densely forested area reportedly used by insurgents as a hideout because of its difficult terrain and natural cover.

Military sources said an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform was deployed at about 11:40 a.m. to conduct an armed reconnaissance mission over the area.

During the operation, the surveillance team reportedly identified several suspected terrorists moving within the enclave, along with concealed structures hidden beneath dense vegetation and believed to be serving as operational shelters, logistics hubs and staging points.

The sources said the surveillance platform maintained continuous observation while transmitting real-time intelligence and precise target coordinates to attack aircraft, which subsequently carried out a series of precision strikes on the identified locations.

According to the sources, the strikes achieved direct hits on the targets, destroying the concealed structures.

A Battle Damage Assessment conducted after the operation confirmed that the terrorist camp had been completely destroyed, with the support facilities reduced to rubble.

The assessment also indicated that about 12 suspected terrorists were killed during the strike, while secondary explosions and sustained fires suggested that additional supplies and equipment stored within the enclave were destroyed.

Military sources described the operation as an intelligence-led mission that demonstrated improved coordination between airborne surveillance assets and precision strike capabilities deployed by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI.

They said the operation would significantly weaken the affected terrorist cell by denying it a safe haven and disrupting its ability to regroup, plan attacks and maintain logistics in the area.

According to the sources, the airstrike forms part of ongoing offensive operations targeting terrorist sanctuaries across the North-East, particularly in remote forested locations where insurgents have continued to seek refuge following sustained military pressure.

The sources added that although the overall security situation across the theatre remains relatively calm, it is still unpredictable because of the fluid nature of terrorist movements.

They, however, assured that troops of Operation HADIN KAI remain combat-ready and committed to sustaining operations until terrorist enclaves are dismantled and lasting peace is restored across the region.