By Jeremiah Emmanuel, Abuja
The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has destroyed a terrorist logistics hub and enclave in a precision air strike near the abandoned village of Jilli, Gubio Local Government Area, Borno State.
The 11 April 2026 operation followed sustained intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions over the Bindul–Jilli axis – a known convergence point for Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists.
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force (North East), said the strike responded to mounting threats. In January 2026, eight soldiers were killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) on the Gubio–Damasak road. On 9 April, coordinated attacks in Ngamdu and Benisheik were traced to the same logistics network.
On the day of the strike, ISR assets tracked motorcycles and vehicles converging on Jilli. Human intelligence confirmed the movement involved terrorists, collaborators and logistics handlers. Following a rigorous targeting process, precision strikes destroyed the enclave. Scores of terrorists were neutralised, and multiple vehicles and technicals were destroyed.
Post-strike assessment confirmed the target was struck with high accuracy. Survivors fled in various directions. Intelligence indicates the group was preparing to receive logistics for coordinated attacks on troop positions in the Gubio axis.
On 12 April, a terrorist logistics courier, ‘Turja Bulu’, was arrested at Ngamdu. He confessed to participating in the 9 April attack at Benisheik and to being dispatched from Jilli to supply food to terrorists near the Magumeri–Gubio area.
The Theatre Command reiterated that motorcycles remain strictly prohibited across the North East, particularly in Borno and Yobe, due to their use by terrorists for movement and attacks.
OPHK assured residents of the North East that operations will continue with renewed intensity until all terrorist enclaves are dismantled and lasting peace is restored.
