More than 20 suspected terrorists have been killed in a series of air operations conducted by troops of Operation HADIN KAI in parts of Borno State.
The precision strikes were carried out between the night of August 21 and the early hours of August 22, 2026, around Monguno and Biu Local Government Areas, following intelligence on the movements and gathering of terrorist elements.
In a statement issued by the Acting Military Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni, the Joint Task Force North East said the operations were based on credible intelligence supported by Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions.
The military said one of the operations took place around the Aduwa axis of Monguno, where an armed reconnaissance aircraft detected suspected terrorists moving towards a settlement.
After confirming the target and obtaining the necessary authorisation, the platform carried out a precision strike.
A subsequent assessment indicated that about 16 terrorists were neutralised in two separate strikes.
The aircraft reportedly remained in the area for further surveillance and later detected another group of suspected terrorists attempting to regroup away from the initial strike location.
The military said another precision engagement was launched against the group, with assessments indicating that about 10 additional terrorists were successfully engaged.
In a separate operation in Buratai, Biu Local Government Area, another Operation HADIN KAI air platform reportedly identified a gathering of suspected terrorists.
Following sustained surveillance, the target was struck, with the military estimating that about 10 terrorists were neutralised in the operation.
The task force said the latest operations demonstrate the growing effectiveness of its intelligence and surveillance capabilities in tracking terrorist movements and disrupting them before they can pose threats to troops and civilian communities.
According to the military, the strikes are also expected to further restrict the terrorists’ freedom of movement, disrupt their command structure and put additional pressure on their logistics and fighting capabilities.
It said the air operations form part of the broader counter-terrorism campaign aimed at weakening insurgent networks and creating safer conditions for residents across the North-East.
Operation HADIN KAI noted that its military operations are being complemented by non-kinetic initiatives, including community engagement, strategic communication, counter-messaging and humanitarian coordination.
The task force also said recent surrender of some terrorist elements indicates that sustained military pressure is having an impact on the insurgents.
It urged residents to remain alert and continue providing security agencies with timely and credible information on suspicious movements and activities.
The military said cooperation from communities remains vital to detecting threats early, protecting lives and property, and consolidating gains recorded in the fight against terrorism.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining coordinated operations against terrorist groups while supporting efforts to restore lasting peace, security and normal economic activities across the North-East.
