The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Saturday announced that the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (AC OPHK), working in close collaboration with ground troops, eliminated more than 30 insurgents during a decisive joint operation in Borno State.
At the same time, troops killed one armed herder during clearance operations in Logo Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, recovering weapons and ammunition from the assailant.
A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, described the successful joint mission as a clear demonstration of the troops’ unwavering commitment, resilience, and sacrifice in defending the nation from persistent security threats.
The announcement coincided with a colourful send-off ceremony in Abuja, where the Nigerian Army Resource Centre bade farewell to its immediate past Director General, Major General Garba Wahab (rtd.).
Ejodame explained that the operation, which took place on Friday at Dar-el-Jamal village in Bama LGA of Borno State, followed credible intelligence reports of heavy insurgent engagement against friendly forces.
“Acting swiftly on the situation report, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai deployed an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Air Interdiction (AI) mission. En route, the aircrew established contact with ground forces in Banki, who confirmed that reinforcements were already moving to support troops.
“On arrival at Dar-el-Jamal, the aircrew visually identified friendly forces before ISR scans revealed insurgents fleeing northwards from the town towards nearby bushes.
“In a series of three precise and successive strikes, the fleeing terrorists were decisively engaged, resulting in the neutralisation of over 30 insurgents. Shortly afterwards, reinforcement troops arrived at the location, secured the area, and stabilised the situation,” he said.
Ejodame emphasised that the coordinated success highlights seamless synergy between air and ground forces, underscoring the effectiveness of joint counterinsurgency operations.
He said this also reinforces the Nigerian Armed Forces’ determination to dismantle terrorist networks, protect vulnerable communities, and restore sustainable peace and stability to the North-east and beyond.
The NAF spokesman reassured Nigerians that the service, working hand in hand with sister services and other security agencies, will continue to adopt deliberate and collaborative strategies to guarantee the safety, confidence, and security of citizens across the country.
In a related development, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke killed one armed herder during clearance operations in Logo LGA of Benue State.
A reliable military source disclosed that an AK-47 rifle, 19 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and other dangerous items were recovered from the scene. According to the source, troops also intervened in violent clashes in Kwande and Guma LGAs, diffusing tensions and evacuating an injured farmer to the hospital for urgent treatment.
Meanwhile, the former Director General of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Major General Wahab (rtd.), bowed out of service in grand style.
Speaking at the colourful valedictory ceremony, Wahab stressed that culture plays a pivotal role in shaping military strategy and leadership philosophy.
He recalled an incident in his career, saying:
“I was asked to describe an event, and the person interviewing me was the Commandant of the school. I was looking down, and he said he couldn’t believe or trust me because I wasn’t looking him straight in the eye. I told him that, in my culture, you don’t look your supervisor in the eye—it is considered a sign of defiance. In your culture, it’s acceptable; in mine, it’s not.
“Sometimes, what is wrong in one place might be right in another.”
Linus Aleke in Abuja
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