NAF Destroys Terrorist Infrastructure in Tumbuktu Triangle Air Offensive

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), as part of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), dealt a crushing blow to rebels in Borno State. In a major tactical victory, NAF air assets carried out a precision airstrike that destroyed an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) factory, several terrorist gun trucks, and neutralized dozens of insurgents in Kwaltiri, which is located within the notorious Tumbuktu Triangle, a key hotspot for terrorist activity.

The successful operation took place on June 18, 2025, following actionable intelligence that suggested an increase in terrorist activity in the area. Surveillance missions revealed the location of an active IED manufacturing factory and many armed vehicles, prompting the coordinated air offensive.

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Throughout the mission, NAF aircraft struck various targets, delivering accurate strikes that caused significant damage to the insurgents’ infrastructure. According to an official statement, the air raid severely crippled the insurgents’ command and control systems, as well as their supply networks. The destruction of the IED factory reduced the group’s bomb-making capacity, further limiting its ability to launch assaults.

“The successful strikes not only disrupted their command and control as well as logistics chains but also sent shockwaves through their ranks, significantly degrading their morale and operational momentum,” the Navy stated in a press release.

Security experts have complimented the Nigerian military for successfully carrying out this mission, hailing it as a critical step toward combating terrorism in Nigeria’s northeast region. The Tumbuktu Triangle has long functioned as a safe haven for terrorist groups, making its elimination a critical goal in the ongoing counter-insurgency battle.

This current offensive demonstrates the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to aiding national security operations and promoting regional stability. The mission is part of Operation HADIN KAI’s ongoing efforts to reduce terrorist capabilities and restore peace to communities devastated by insurgency.