Strikes carried out by the Air Component of Operation Hadi Kai, a military offensive against Boko Haram and its splinter groups, have resulted in the death of terrorist leader Munzir (AKA Baa Yanziye) and several others in North East Nigeria.

The airstrikes, conducted in support of ground troops, were carried out during combined operations between January 1 and 15, targeting terrorist hideouts, logistics bases, and fleeing fighters.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, revealed this in a statement on Monday as part of an update on the military’s successes against terrorists and other non-state actors.

According to General Onoja, ground forces, in conjunction with the Air Component, hybrid forces, and local security outfits, conducted aggressive operations in Gwoza, Konduga, Bama, Askira Uba, Chibok, Mafa, Guzamala, and Damboa Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Borno State; Hong and Madagali LGAs of Adamawa State; and Damaturu and Gujba LGAs of Yobe State.

He said, “During the encounters, scores of the terrorists were neutralized. Also, 34 of them were arrested, while 17 kidnap victims were rescued. The suspects and weapons recovered are in the troops’ custody for further action.

“Between January 1 and 3, 2026, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted multiple air interdiction missions at Abirma, Chiralia, Guva in the Timbuktu Triangle, as well as Garin Mallam Iddirisa and Garin Abu Ayuba in the Nduva general area of Damboa LGA of Borno State. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that a well-known terrorist leader, Munzir (otherwise known as Baa Yanziye), was neutralized alongside many others during the strikes.”

“Similarly, between 8 and 13 January 8 to 13, 2026, multiple air interdiction missions were conducted at Abbagajiri in Timbuktu Triangle, while the component provided close air support to ground troops within Damasak, Megumeri, Gubio, Kereto, Binduldul, Matari, Gashagar, and Gudumbali general areas of Borno State. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that some selected targets were acquired and engaged with bombs and rockets accordingly.”

Giving an update on troop operations in the North West, the Defence spokesperson said that troops of Operation Fansan Yamma conducted offensive operations from January 1 to 15 in Anka, Bakura, Bungudu, Kaura Namoda, Maru, Maradun, Talata Mafara, Zurmi and Tsafe Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Zamfara State; Kankara, Danmusa, Malumfashi and Matazu LGAs of Katsina State; Arewa and Shanga LGAs of Kebbi State; Binji, Gudu, Isa, Rabah, Sabon Birni, Tambuwal and Wurno LGAs of Sokoto State; and Borgu and Kontagora LGAs of Niger State, as well as Tsanyawa and Shanono LGAs of Kano State.

Onoja said that during the operations, troops killed several terrorists and arrested nine others. He added that 52 kidnap victims were rescued, while a large cache of weapons was recovered from the terrorists.

“Between January 9 and 12, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted armed reconnaissance and air interdiction missions at Dutsen Magaji, Machata, and Kana Birniwa in Jigawa State, as well as Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

“Accordingly, targets were acquired and engaged with rockets. Subsequent battle damage assessment revealed that scores of terrorists were neutralised, while their enclaves and logistics facilities were destroyed,” he said.

The Defence spokesperson said that the two ongoing operations in the North Central – Operation Endurance Peace and Whirl Stroke – achieved significant feats against terrorists/ extremists.

According to him, troops of Operation Enduring Peace killed several terrorists/criminals, arrested 25 others, and rescued 14 kidnap victims during operations conducted between January 1 and 15 in Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Kanam, Mangu, Riyom, Jos East, Jos North, and Wase Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Plateau State, as well as Chikun, Jema’a, and Sanga LGAs of Kaduna State.

While troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested the wife of a notorious bandit, John Gata, and eight suspected kidnappers, rescued 21 kidnap victims, and seized arms, ammunition, and other items from the suspected criminals.

In the Niger Delta region, the Defence spokesperson said troops of Operation Delta Safe foiled oil theft worth over ₦53,752,100.00, comprising 63,200 litres of stolen crude oil and 19,300 litres of AGO. The troops also discovered and destroyed 20 illegal refining sites and arrested 31 oil thieves and other criminals, while assorted arms and ammunition were recovered.

On the military offensive against Indigenous People of Biafra/ Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) in the South East, the military high command said troops arrested 3 IPOB/ESN members at Umunze Community in Orumba South LGA of Anambra State.

“Investigation revealed that they belong to the Jukwese IPOB/ESN syndicate operating within the Umunze community in Orumba LGA of Anambra State.

“Similarly, a suspected notorious arms dealer was also arrested at his residence in Nteje, Oyi LGA of Anambra State. Following his arrest, troops recovered a vehicle and two Samsung phones,” Onoja said.

According to him, on January 1, the Air Component of Operation UDO KA provided close air support to the ground troops during a clearance operation at Ajalli Forest in Ezeagu LGA of Enugu State, where terrorists’ enclaves were identified within the thickly forested area and were set ablaze.

“Also, on January 8 and 9, armed reconnaissance missions were conducted over Awo-Ommama, Eke-Ututu, Mbieri, Njaba, Orlu, Orsu West, Orsumoghu, and Owerri, as well as Nkalagu, Ishielu, Ohaukwu, Izzi, and Abakaliki general area. During the missions, significant successes were recorded,” he said. (The Nation)

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