Air Force Destroys Terror Logistics Hub Linked to April 9 Attacks in Borno

Air Force Destroys Terror Logistics Hub Linked to April 9 Attacks in Borno

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Air Component of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, has carried out a precision airstrike that destroyed a terrorist logistics enclave and operational hub near Jilli in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State, in an operation linked to the April 9 coordinated attacks across parts of the theatre.

The strike, executed on April 11, targeted a suspected convergence point used by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province and their collaborators along the Bindul–Jilli axis, a corridor long identified as a major movement route for insurgent logistics and operations.

This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Media Information Officer of Headquarters, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba.

He said the operation was the outcome of sustained intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions over the area, which had recorded repeated terrorist movement and logistics activities in recent months.

The statement recalled that troops had earlier suffered casualties in January 2026 when an Improvised Explosive Device struck a military convoy along the Bindul axis during movement from Gubio to Damasak, killing eight soldiers and injuring several others.

It also noted that coordinated attacks on April 9 in Ngamdu and Benisheik were linked to the same logistics network that was subsequently targeted in the latest air operation.

“Consequently, the Theatre intensified overhead surveillance and intelligence gathering across the area in response to persistent reports of terrorist movement and logistics activity,” the statement said.

According to the military, surveillance platforms on April 11 detected movement of motorcycles and gun trucks converging toward Jilli, prompting intensified monitoring and corroboration through human intelligence sources.

“Multiple credible human intelligence reports confirmed that the converging elements were terrorists, collaborators, and logistics handlers,” the statement added.

Following confirmation of target validity, the Air Component executed precision strikes on the location while surveillance assets maintained continuous overwatch to assess impact.

Post-strike assessment confirmed that the target was accurately engaged, resulting in the destruction of the terrorist logistics enclave. Scores of insurgents were neutralised, while several motorcycles and vehicles were destroyed. Surviving fighters were seen fleeing the scene in different directions.

Intelligence further indicated that the group was preparing to receive logistics supplies for planned attacks on military locations within the Gubio axis. The military said the strike significantly disrupted imminent threats and degraded the operational capability of insurgents in the area.

In a related development, troops arrested a suspected logistics courier identified as “Turja Bulu” on April 12 at Ngamdu.

Preliminary interrogation reportedly revealed that he participated in the April 9 attack on a military location in Benisheik and was dispatched from Jilli to deliver food supplies to insurgents hiding around the Magumeri–Gubio general area.

The statement reaffirmed that the use of motorcycles remains banned across the North East theatre, particularly in Borno and Yobe States, due to their continued use by insurgents for movement, logistics and attack operations.

“The Theatre Command assures the good people of the North East and indeed all law-abiding Nigerians that ongoing operations will continue with renewed intensity until terrorist enclaves are dismantled and lasting peace is restored,” it said.

Operation HADIN KAI said the latest strike shows its resolve to sustain pressure on terrorist networks, disrupt their logistics chains, and deny them freedom of movement across the region.