The Nigerian Air Force has carried out airstrikes on Abbagajiri in the Timbuktu Triangle, a known Boko Haram and ISWAP enclave within the Sambisa Forest in Borno State, destroying terrorist structures and concealed logistics facilities while neutralising several insurgents.
The operation followed actionable multi-source intelligence confirming the presence and activities of terrorists in the area. Based on the intelligence, NAF air assets were deployed for integrated surveillance and precision strikes on identified targets.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the airstrikes were conducted on January 8, 2026.
He explained that the mission was aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities, denying them safe haven, and shaping the battlespace for advancing ground troops, in strict compliance with rules of engagement and the protection of non-combatants.
Ejodame said several terrorist structures were successfully engaged and destroyed, restricting the insurgents’ freedom of movement.
He added that follow-up strikes neutralised armed fighters observed converging on the location after the initial attack.
“Subsequent advances by ground troops into the area confirmed the effectiveness of the airstrikes and validated the success of the joint air–land operation,” he said.
Commenting on the mission, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said the operation reflected the Nigerian Air Force’s determination to dominate the air domain in support of joint military operations.
“This operation underscores our unwavering commitment to delivering precise and decisive airpower in support of ground forces.
“We will continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement, sanctuary, and logistics wherever they attempt to hide,” Aneke said.
The air chief further stressed that NAF operations would remain intelligence-driven and relentless, noting that careful planning ensures maximum impact on hostile elements while protecting innocent civilians.
He added that the operation highlighted the Air Force’s aggressive posture, precision use of airpower, and critical role in enabling ground forces to sustain momentum and deliver decisive blows against terrorist networks threatening lives, property, and Nigeria’s national security.
The Timbuktu Triangle, located around Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, is a notorious terrorist stronghold within northeastern Nigeria. The area comprises remote enclaves such as Abirma, Chiralia, Jemyeri, Abulam, Agum, Digamari, and Garin Baban Alhassan, characterised by forested and rugged terrain often exploited by insurgents. It lies close to the borders with Cameroon and Chad, forming part of the wider Lake Chad Basin conflict zone long used as a haven by terrorist groups.
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