At least three top Boko Haram commanders have been killed in air raids carried out by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on terrorist hideouts in Borno State, military sources have confirmed.
The airstrikes, which took place in Gobara and Balangaje areas near Sambisa Forest in Gwoza Local Government Area, targeted known camps of the insurgents. Multiple structures used by the terrorists were destroyed in the operations.
The slain commanders have been identified as Mustafa, Ba Bunu, and Awana Kura—all senior figures within the Boko Haram hierarchy. Their deaths are said to have triggered panic among fighters and their families within the affected camps.
According to reliable sources, the strikes were based on fresh intelligence gathered by military surveillance teams. The operations were part of a wider offensive to cripple terrorist activities in the North East.
“There is serious confusion in their ranks now,” a military source revealed. “Some of their senior fighters have started fleeing the area, and some are considering relocating to other hideouts.”
It was also gathered that Modu Kunduli, another high-ranking Boko Haram commander, informed Bakura (also known as Weeze), about the airstrikes and their deadly impact. Bakura, who is known to operate around the Kwajaffa–Ngabur axis in Hawul Local Government Area, reportedly expressed fear after spotting NAF jets flying over Garkida and Gombi, areas known for terrorist activity.
The bombardments have not only disrupted Boko Haram’s operations but also left their members in fear of more strikes. Women and children in the camps are also said to be unsettled, with some already attempting to flee.
Boko Haram, a deadly terrorist group that emerged in North-Eastern Nigeria over a decade ago, has been responsible for thousands of deaths and mass displacement of civilians. Though weakened over the years, the group continues to carry out attacks, especially in remote villages and forest areas.
The Nigerian military has in recent months increased its use of air power to flush out the insurgents from their remaining hideouts.
