The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), under the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, has destroyed terrorist watercraft and neutralised several fighters during coordinated night airstrikes in the riverine areas of Kukawa Local Government Area, Borno State.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama reported via X that the operations targeted insurgent hideouts along the Malimbe–Masaram Island axis and parts of the Northern Tumbuns, following intelligence that indicated increased insurgent movement and logistics activity.

According to military sources, the airstrikes on January 18 used precision-guided munitions to minimise collateral damage. Several fighters from Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) were killed, and boats used for mobility and logistics across Lake Chad were destroyed. Surviving insurgents reportedly abandoned their positions at Malimbe and Toumbun Beriberi, fleeing toward the Abadam axis.

“Post-strike assessment showed the terrorists withdrawing in disarray, likely suspecting their movements had been compromised,” a source said. Air and ground surveillance has since been intensified to prevent possible reprisals against civilians.

On January 20, the NAF conducted another air interdiction at a newly identified ISWAP enclave in the Northern Tumbuns, codenamed “Rackstar.” Intelligence revealed active structures, gatherings of fighters, and evidence of weapons servicing and IED assembly. The strike degraded the insurgents’ operational and logistics capabilities.

Military officials said the operations are part of ongoing efforts to deny terrorists freedom of movement and safe havens within the Lake Chad basin.