NAF Destroys Terrorists’ Strongholds In Borno, Katsina, Yobe
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully destroyed fortified terrorists’ hideouts in Chiralia, Grazah, Yuwe in Borno, and Zango Hill in Katsina States, killing numerous fighters and crippling their operational networks.
According to a statement from NAF’s Deputy Spokesman, Group Captain Kabiru Ali, the airstrikes, which took place between March 17 and 19, 2025, were aimed at terrorists’ strongholds in the North-East and North-West regions.
On March 17, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) conducted a devastating airstrike on Chiralia, a notorious terrorist enclave within the Timbuktu Triangle. Intelligence reports revealed that the insurgents had been orchestrating violent raids along major highways, abducting civilians, and looting supplies. In response, a formidable force of NAF attack aircraft launched a precise and overwhelming assault, destroying multiple enemy structures and killing terrorists attempting to flee with follow-up strikes.
The next day, NAF launched another airstrike targeting the terrorist hideout at Grazah in the Mandara Mountains and at Yuwe in Sambisa Forest along the volatile Damboa-Bitta highway. At Grazah, intelligence had uncovered extremist leaders indoctrinating fighters, which led to a ferocious assault by NAF fighter jets, delivering precision strikes on key targets. Follow-up strikes targeted fleeing terrorists, effectively crippling their operational networks.
In the North-West region, the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) conducted a relentless aerial assault on Zango Hill in Kankara Local Government Area, Katsina State, in coordination with ground forces. Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions uncovered armed bandits entrenched in the rugged terrain, prompting swift deployment of NAF attack aircraft. Precision strikes pounded enemy positions, while follow-up bombardments targeted regrouping fighters. NAF helicopters also provided Close Air Support, ensuring the unimpeded advance of ground troops. The operation resulted in the annihilation of multiple armed criminals and the destruction of their fortified hideouts.
Group Captain Ali highlighted that the recent airstrikes have significantly disrupted terrorist activities across multiple regions. He added, “Intelligence assessments indicate that the strikes not only neutralised several high-value targets but also destroyed critical infrastructure used by the terrorists for logistics and coordination.”
These successful operations underscore NAF’s ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and improve security in the affected regions.
