The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced a successful airstrike carried out by its air component under Operation Hadin Kai, targeting terrorist elements in Jubillaram, a notorious enclave in the Tumbuns area of the Lake Chad Basin.
The operation, which took place on November 23, 2024, was described as a decisive blow to the insurgents.
Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, detailed the operation, saying, “This strategic location, identified through meticulous intelligence efforts, served as a critical food storage site and a sanctuary for terrorist commanders and fighters.”
The airstrike was prompted by intelligence linking the enclave to recent attacks, including the assault on troops in Kareto on November 16, 2024.
Akinboyewa explained, “In response, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets launched a robust air interdiction mission, destroying identified structures used as storage facilities and neutralizing terrorists on-site. Mop-up operations using cannons ensured the complete elimination of fleeing hostile elements.”
The operation was facilitated by extensive intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions conducted over several days, which confirmed the presence of active terrorist structures camouflaged under dense vegetation.
The strike not only destroyed the terrorist food storage facilities but also disrupted their logistical operations. According to Akinboyewa, the neutralization of a significant number of fighters has diminished the insurgents’ capacity to launch future attacks.
“The destruction of the terrorist enclave, including food storage facilities, severely disrupted their logistical operations. The neutralization of a significant number of fighters diminished their capacity to launch future attacks,” he said.
Akinboyewa emphasized that the mission demonstrates the NAF’s steadfast commitment to protecting the nation, stating, “This mission demonstrates the NAF’s unwavering commitment to defending our nation and people, acting singly and supporting surface forces in counterterrorism operations. The NAF will sustain these robust independent and joint operations until all enemies of Nigeria’s prosperity and wellbeing are brought to justice.”