The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) has killed at least nine suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters and destroyed several vehicles during coordinated air strikes in the Cross Kauwa and Ali Sherifti areas of northern Borno State.

The operation, which commenced on June 6, targeted suspected terrorist elements attempting to regroup within the Lake Chad region, according to intelligence and security sources.

Sources said the mission was launched after an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform detected suspicious activities at a suspected terrorist enclave in Cross Kauwa.

Aerial surveillance reportedly identified about 12 vehicles concealed beneath trees, while suspected insurgents were observed moving between cover positions in an apparent effort to avoid detection.

Security sources described the location as a suspected logistics and coordination hub used by the terrorists for movement, planning and operational activities.

Following confirmation of hostile activity and approval from military authorities, a strike aircraft carried out a precision attack on a cluster of vehicles within the hideout. The strike reportedly scored direct hits on four vehicles, triggering explosions and fires that spread through the targeted area.

Military assessments indicated that the attack disrupted terrorist operations and forced fighters to flee in different directions.

Subsequent surveillance missions detected additional movements around the area, including vehicles attempting to withdraw and fighters seeking cover from the aerial bombardment.

The operation later shifted to Ali Sherifti following intelligence reports that ISWAP elements were preparing attacks on nearby communities.

During the follow-up strike, the aircraft identified eight suspected terrorists gathered beneath a tree and engaged the target. Security sources said five of the fighters were killed in the strike.

Four additional terrorists moving toward a concealed vehicle were also neutralised, while the vehicle was destroyed.

Meanwhile, continued aerial monitoring of the Cross Kauwa area revealed attempts by surviving insurgents to regroup approximately 250 metres from the initial strike site. Several vehicles were also observed dispersed under tree cover, suggesting the presence of remaining terrorist elements in the vicinity.

Military sources said the operation underscores the growing effectiveness of intelligence-driven air power in disrupting terrorist networks and degrading insurgent capabilities across the North-East theatre of operations.

The military has not yet released an official statement on the operation, but surveillance and assessment efforts are said to be ongoing.