Joseph Bakare
In a bold and decisive operation, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (AC OPHK) on 23 November 2024 delivered a crushing blow to terrorist elements in Jubillaram, a notorious enclave in the Tumbuns area of the Lake Chad Basin. This strategic location, identified through meticulous intelligence efforts, served as a critical food storage site and a sanctuary for terrorist commanders and fighters. Intelligence had previously linked terrorists in this location to recent attacks, including the assault on troops in Kareto on 16 November 2024.
In response, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets launched a robust air interdiction mission, destroying identified structures used as storage facilities and neutralising terrorists on-site. Mop-up operations using cannons ensured the complete elimination of fleeing hostile elements. The operation’s success was made possible by extensive Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions conducted over several days, confirming the presence of active terrorist structures camouflaged under dense vegetation.
The destruction of the terrorist enclave, including food storage facilities, severely disrupted their logistical operations, while the neutralization of a significant number of fighters diminished their capacity to launch future attacks. 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.