NAF Destroys Terrorist Boats, Neutralises Fighters in Kukawa Riverine
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), operating as the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has destroyed several terrorist boats and neutralised fighters during coordinated night air strikes in the riverine areas of Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the strikes, carried out on January 18, followed weeks of sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance that confirmed heightened terrorist movement and logistics activities around the Malimbe Masaram Island axis and parts of the Northern Tumbuns in the Lake Chad Basin.
The sources explained that elements of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) were tracked transiting through Masaram Island, Malimbe and Toumbun Beriberi, using watercraft for mobility and supply across the waterways.
Acting on the intelligence, NAF aircraft conducted precision-guided night strikes under the cover of darkness to ensure accuracy and minimise collateral damage. Several terrorists were neutralised, while boats used for transportation and logistics were completely destroyed.
Those who survived the strikes reportedly abandoned their positions and fled the area.
Post-strike battle damage assessment indicated that the fleeing terrorists withdrew towards the Abadam axis in disarray. The sources added that intelligence reports suggest the terrorists suspect their movements may have been compromised by informants within their ranks.
Meanwhile, the NAF also carried out another air interdiction mission on January 20 against a newly identified terrorist enclave codenamed “Rackstar” in the Northern Tumbuns.
At about 1:00 p.m., aerial surveillance identified the location as a safe haven for Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements, including suspected senior commanders. The area was also believed to serve as an improvised explosive device (IED) assembly point and a weapons servicing workshop.
Further intelligence revealed active terrorist structures about 1.9 kilometres southwest of the initial coordinates, with aircraft sighting gatherings of fighters, a solar panel and a black flag—indicating occupation and operational intent.
The targets were subsequently engaged, degrading the terrorists’ operational capacity and disrupting their command and logistics networks.
The sustained air operations, according to military sources, are part of ongoing efforts under Operation Hadin Kai to deny terrorist groups freedom of movement, safe havens and access to resources across the Lake Chad Basin and the wider North-East.
