The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI has carried out a precision airstrike on a suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) hideout in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State, reportedly killing several terrorists.

The late-night operation was conducted in the Southern Lake Chad region after intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets detected significant terrorist activity around Arenna, according to intelligence sources.

The sources said the mission commenced at about 10:35 p.m. on July 23 following intelligence indicating that about 50 motorcycles used by suspected terrorists had been sighted moving within the area.

During the operation, the surveillance aircraft monitored the location before launching a precision strike on a building identified as a terrorist hideout.

Preliminary battle damage assessment reportedly indicated that all the occupants of the targeted structure were neutralised, while three other suspected terrorists outside the building were also killed.

The assessment further suggested that three additional fighters were seen fleeing the area after the strike, with the aircraft remaining overhead to monitor the situation and, if necessary, carry out follow-up engagements.

According to the sources, the operation was intelligence-driven and formed part of ongoing efforts to disrupt the activities of ISWAP and Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region.

Operation HADIN KAI has continued its air interdiction campaign against terrorist enclaves in the North-East, targeting logistics, mobility and operational bases in a bid to limit the groups’ freedom of movement and operational capability.