In a significant operation aimed at crippling insurgent activities in the northeast, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) executed a series of precision airstrikes on November 23, 2024. The strikes targeted a critical food depot used by terrorists in the Tumbuns area of the Lake Chad Basin. This action is part of Operation Hadin Kai, which focuses on degrading the capabilities of terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Targeting Logistics and Command Structures
The food depot, stocked with essential supplies like rice, millet, and beans, was a vital logistical hub for insurgents in the region. Intelligence reports and aerial surveillance had identified the location as a resource center for the terrorists, supporting their operations and contributing to recent attacks on Nigerian troops, including a deadly ambush in Kareto on November 16.
The airstrikes not only destroyed the food cache but also neutralized several terrorists and dismantled structures used as shelters for their commanders and fighters. Surveillance confirmed the operation's success, with follow-up missions ensuring that any fleeing combatants were intercepted.
NAF's Commitment to National Security
The Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, emphasized that the operation is part of ongoing efforts to weaken the operational capacity of terrorist groups. These actions aim to safeguard civilians, disrupt insurgent supply lines, and support ground troops engaged in counterterrorism missions.
Broader Impact
The destruction of the depot represents a critical blow to the insurgents, cutting off their access to food supplies and reducing their ability to sustain prolonged operations. It also underscores the effectiveness of coordinated intelligence and military strategy in addressing security challenges in the region.
As the NAF intensifies its operations, the campaign continues to serve as a vital component of Nigeria’s efforts to restore peace and stability in the northeast.