The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI says it has destroyed a terrorist logistics hub and enclave in a precision air strike near Jilli in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the military said the strike was carried out on April 11, 2026, after sustained Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions over the Bindul-Jilli axis, which it described as a major movement corridor and convergence point for Islamic State West Africa Province fighters and their collaborators.
The military said the operation followed heightened surveillance and intelligence gathering in the area after recent attacks linked to the same logistics network. It recalled that in January 2026, troops travelling from Gubio to Damasak were hit by an Improvised Explosive Device attack at Bindul, leaving eight soldiers dead and several others wounded. It added that coordinated attacks were also recorded in Ngamdu and Benisheik on April 9.
According to the statement, multiple reports on April 11 indicated the movement of ISWAP gun trucks and motorcycles along the axis, prompting immediate intensification of aerial surveillance. During the mission, military platforms reportedly observed motorcycles and vehicles moving towards Jilli, where they later converged.
The statement said the movements were confirmed by human intelligence sources, which identified the converging elements as terrorists, collaborators and logistics handlers. It added that after a detailed targeting process and final validation, the Air Component carried out a series of precision strikes on the location while surveillance platforms remained overhead for battle damage assessment.
The military said post-strike assessment showed that the target area was hit accurately, destroying the identified terrorist logistics enclave. It said scores of terrorists were neutralised, with vehicles and technicals destroyed, while surviving fighters were seen fleeing in different directions.
Operation HADIN KAI said intelligence indicated that the neutralised fighters were receiving supplies for planned coordinated attacks on troop locations within the Gubio axis. It said the strike had disrupted imminent terrorist plans and weakened their operational capability in the theatre.
The statement also said a suspected terrorist logistics courier identified as Turja Bulu was arrested in Ngamdu on April 12. It said preliminary investigation showed that the suspect confessed to taking part in the April 9 attack on the 29 Brigade location in Benisheik and was sent from Jilli to deliver food items to another group of fighters hiding around the Magumeri-Gubio general area.
The Theatre Command said the latest strike reflects its resolve to sustain pressure on terrorist elements, disrupt their logistics chains and deny them freedom of movement across the North East.
It also restated that the use of motorcycles remains banned across the North East operational theatre, especially in Borno and Yobe states, because of their continued use by terrorist groups for movement, logistics and attacks.
The military assured residents of the North East and other Nigerians that operations would continue with renewed intensity until terrorist enclaves are dismantled and peace is restored to the region.
