The Nigerian military says airstrikes conducted by the Air Component of ‘Operation HaÉ—in-Kai‘ have eliminated several high-ranking terrorist commanders in Sambisa Forest, in Borno State.
According to military authorities, the precision strike targeted terrorist enclaves in the forest on March 2, following intelligence indicating the presence of senior leaders of Boko Haram and allied insurgent factions.
Among those reportedly killed in the air assault were terrorist commanders identified as Saddam, Saleh Garin-Kago and Ba-Alayi Benbem, along with another fighter, Hussaini Ubaida.
A battle damage assessment conducted after the operation indicated that the airstrikes also neutralised several other fighters and destroyed multiple terrorist structures.
Military sources said corroborating intelligence reports suggest that the attack may have resulted in the elimination of more than 18 ring leaders and about 42 fighters operating within the forest. The operation is believed to have dealt a significant blow to the command structure of the insurgent groups operating in the region.
Security officials explained that the strikes were part of ongoing joint air and ground operations aimed at dismantling remaining terrorist networks in the North-East region.
They added that follow-up surveillance and ground operations are continuing in the area to confirm additional casualties and prevent regrouping by fleeing fighters.
