The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has carried out successful airstrikes against terrorist targets in Abbagajiri, a key location within the Timbuktu Triangle area of Lake Chad. The strikes have cleared the way for ground troops to advance into the area as part of ongoing military operations to weaken terrorist groups in the North-East.
NAF said the operation was carried out under the Joint Task Force of Operation Hadin Kai, which is leading the fight against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the region. The airstrikes took place on January 8, 2026, following careful planning and intelligence gathering.
The Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement. He said the operation was based on reliable intelligence from multiple sources, which confirmed the presence of terrorists, fortified camps, and hidden logistics facilities in Abbagajiri.
According to Ejodame, the intelligence showed that the area was being used by terrorists as a base for planning attacks, storing weapons, and coordinating movement across parts of Borno State and the Lake Chad region.
“NAF air assets were deployed in integrated surveillance and precision strike roles to engage identified targets,” Ejodame said. “The operation was deliberately designed to degrade terrorist capabilities, deny them sanctuary, and shape the battlespace for ground forces.”
He added that the airstrikes were carried out in line with established rules of engagement, with careful attention to the protection of civilians and non-combatants living around the area.
Abbagajiri is located within the Timbuktu Triangle, a notorious stretch of land around Lake Chad that has long served as a stronghold for terrorist groups. The area is difficult to access due to thick vegetation, waterways, and rough terrain, making it a preferred hiding place for insurgents fleeing military pressure from other locations.
Over the years, terrorists operating in the Timbuktu Triangle have launched attacks on military bases, ambushed troops, kidnapped civilians, and disrupted fishing and farming activities around Lake Chad. The region has also been used as a route for smuggling weapons and supplies.
Ejodame said the recent air operation involved both surveillance aircraft and strike platforms. These aircraft first monitored the area to confirm targets before carrying out precision strikes on identified terrorist structures.
He explained that fortified buildings and concealed logistics sites used by the terrorists were decisively engaged and destroyed. A follow-up strike was also carried out when armed fighters were seen converging on the location, leading to the neutralisation of several terrorist elements.
“The strikes denied the terrorists freedom of action and disrupted their ability to regroup or escape,” he said.
Following the airstrikes, ground troops moved into the area to carry out further operations. Ejodame said the advances made by the troops confirmed the effectiveness of the air attacks.
“The subsequent advances by ground forces validated the success of the joint air–land operation,” he said, adding that troops were able to enter areas that were previously dangerous due to heavy terrorist presence.
Commenting on the operation, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said the successful mission showed the Nigerian Air Force’s determination to dominate the airspace in support of joint military operations.
“This operation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to delivering precise and decisive airpower in support of ground forces,” Air Marshal Aneke said. “We will continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement, sanctuary, and logistics wherever they seek to hide.”
He stressed that air power remains a key part of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy, especially in areas that are difficult for ground troops to access without support.
Air Marshal Aneke also assured Nigerians that NAF operations are carefully planned and intelligence-driven to ensure maximum impact on terrorists while protecting innocent civilians.
“Our operations are carefully planned and intelligence-led, ensuring maximum effect on hostile elements while safeguarding innocent civilians,” he said. “The Nigerian Air Force will sustain pressure until terrorist networks are completely dismantled.”
The airstrikes in Abbagajiri are part of sustained military efforts to weaken terrorist groups that have continued to threaten peace and security in the North-East for over a decade.
Since the insurgency began in 2009, thousands of people have been killed, and millions displaced from their homes across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states. Entire communities have been destroyed, while farming, fishing, and trade have been disrupted.
In recent years, the Nigerian military, working with regional partners under the Multinational Joint Task Force, has intensified operations around Lake Chad to cut off terrorist supply routes and dismantle their camps.
Operation Hadin Kai, which replaced Operation Lafiya Dole, focuses on coordinated air and ground actions, intelligence sharing, and cooperation with local communities to defeat insurgents.
Military sources say airstrikes play a crucial role in weakening terrorists before ground troops move in, reducing the risk to soldiers and increasing the chances of success.
Residents in communities around Lake Chad have often expressed relief when military pressure increases, as it reduces the ability of terrorists to attack civilians, extort fishermen, and impose illegal taxes.
The Nigerian Air Force has repeatedly said it is committed to supporting ground forces until lasting peace is restored in the region. Recent operations in Borno State, Sambisa Forest, and now the Timbuktu Triangle reflect this commitment.
As ground troops continue their advance into Abbagajiri, military authorities say they will maintain surveillance and air support to ensure that fleeing terrorists do not regroup or launch counter-attacks.