Abuja, Nigeria – March 18, 2025: The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has executed a major precision airstrike on Boko Haram terrorist enclaves in the Chikide and Degbewa areas of the Mandara Mountains, dealing a significant blow to the group’s operational capabilities.
The nighttime operation, carried out on March 16, targeted key terrorist hideouts, resulting in the destruction of fortified structures and the elimination of several insurgents.
According to Group Captain Kabiru Ali, Deputy Director of NAF Public Relations and Information, the attack was a demonstration of the Air Force’s advanced night warfare capabilities and its commitment to eradicating terrorist activities in the region.
Targeting a Notorious Terrorist Leader
The strike was based on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) reports indicating that Ali Ngulde, a notorious Boko Haram leader, and his fighters were planning a high-level meeting at the targeted locations.
ISR data revealed heightened terrorist activity, including fortified structures equipped with solar-powered installations—clear signs of an active command hub.
“Acting on credible intelligence, the NAF launched a precision night strike under the cover of darkness, achieving complete surprise and maximum impact,” Group Captain Ali stated.
The operation, which involved a coordinated aerial assault, destroyed logistical supply points and command centers. Large fires engulfed multiple structures, further crippling Boko Haram’s operational capacity.
The Air Force noted that the strike significantly degraded the group’s fighting ability and created favorable conditions for ground troops to advance and consolidate their positions.
Growing Air Dominance in Counter-Terrorism Efforts
The NAF emphasized that the success of this mission underscores its increasing dominance in both day and night air combat capabilities. The attack demonstrates that Boko Haram insurgents can no longer rely on the cover of darkness for safety.
“The NAF remains relentless in its precision strikes and sustained air operations, ensuring that terrorist networks are neutralized and peace is restored to affected areas,” Ali added.
This latest airstrike is part of a broader military campaign aimed at dismantling Boko Haram strongholds across Nigeria’s northeastern region. The military has intensified aerial and ground operations in recent months to curb the insurgents’ ability to regroup and launch attacks.
The Mandara Mountains, a known Boko Haram hideout along the Nigeria-Cameroon border, have long been a strategic location for the insurgents.
The difficult terrain has provided cover for the group’s leadership and operations. However, with advanced ISR capabilities and sustained military pressure, the Nigerian armed forces continue to push deeper into these strongholds.
Continued Military Pressure on Insurgents
The Nigerian military has been ramping up efforts to combat terrorist activities through coordinated strikes and intelligence-led operations.
This latest development is expected to further weaken Boko Haram’s operational efficiency, reducing their ability to launch coordinated attacks in the region.
As the military intensifies its campaign, authorities urge citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
Security experts believe that sustained pressure on Boko Haram and similar insurgent groups will be crucial in achieving long-term stability in the region.
The Nigerian Air Force has reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging superior airpower in the ongoing fight against terrorism, ensuring the safety and security of the nation’s citizens.
