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Sustained Air Interdiction Campaign Deepens Fear Within ISWAP Ranks Across Sambisa, Tumbuns
Sustained Air Interdiction Campaign Deepens Fear Within ISWAP Ranks Across Sambisa, Tumbuns
By: Zagazola Makama
The ongoing precision air interdiction campaign by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI is increasingly degrading not only the operational capabilities of ISWAP and Boko Haram terrorists in the North-East theatre, but also their psychological resilience, as fresh intelligence indicates growing panic, fear and uncertainty among fighters hiding within the Sambisa Forest and adjoining enclaves.
Reliable intelligence information obtained by Zagazola Makama on May 26 at approximately 0638 hours revealed clear signs of anxiety among ISWAP elements following repeated bombardments by Nigerian military aircraft targeting terrorist hideouts, logistics bases and assembly areas across the Sambisa axis and Lake Chad fringes.
Sources said that an ISWAP fighter identified as Abu Ibrahim, believed to be operating around Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, communicated with an associate suspected to be within the Pulka axis of Sambisa Forest in Bama LGA.

During the conversation, Abu Ibrahim reportedly informed his associate that military aircraft had conducted strikes on multiple locations across the forest and offered prayers for the safety and survival of fighters within the affected areas.
The associate confirmed that the bombardments were concentrated towards the southern flank of Sambisa Forest, particularly around the Gwoza axis, and acknowledged that the strikes had generated widespread fear and apprehension among terrorist fighters.
The tone of the communication strongly suggest that recent sustained air offensives are exerting significant psychological pressure on insurgent elements, particularly within previously fortified enclaves long considered relatively secure by the terrorists.
The growing fear among fighters is indicative of mounting operational stress within terrorist ranks, likely caused by the increasing accuracy, frequency and unpredictability of Nigerian Air Force interdiction missions across key insurgent corridors.
The identification of the southern Sambisa axis as a focal point of recent bombardments further indicates that security forces possess credible and actionable intelligence on terrorist concentrations, logistics movement and operational nodes within the forest.
It is believe that the psychological effect of the strikes has already trigger internal displacement of fighters, fragmentation of smaller units, increased desertions and disruption of command cohesion among ISWAP cells operating within the area.
The latest intelligence comes amid an intensified series of coordinated Air Interdiction (AI) missions conducted by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI against known terrorist enclaves in the Mandara Mountains, Southern Tumbuns and Gezuwa axis.
One of the major operations was conducted in the early hours of May 19 at about 0325 hours when the military platform, in collaboration with the another Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) asset, departed from the theatre air base to execute a precision strike mission on Chikide, a notorious terrorist enclave located within the Mandara Mountains.
The operation followed actionable intelligence and confirmatory ISR which identified active terrorist structures and logistics hubs within the location.
Upon arrival over the target area, aircrew successfully acquired designated targets and engaged them using precision-guided munitions.
Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) later confirmed that targeted structures and logistics facilities were destroyed, while several terrorists were neutralized during the strikes.
Military sources described the Chikide mission as strategically significant due to the difficult mountainous terrain which terrorists have historically exploited as natural defensive cover against ground offensives.
In another coordinated operation conducted on the same day at approximately 0530 hours, the PHANTOM formation, also operating alongside the ISR platform, carried out precision strikes on Bukar Meram, a known terrorist stronghold within the Southern Tumbuns region of the Lake Chad Basin.
Sources confirmed that Intelligence preceding the mission had indicated sustained terrorist activity around logistics bases and assembly areas within the enclave.
Confirmatory ISR subsequently identified multiple active structures, storage locations and gathering points used by terrorist fighters.
The sources added “On arrival over the target area, aircrew acquired and engaged the selected targets with onboard ordnance in carefully executed attack runs,”said the sources.
According to the sources, post-strike assessments confirmed the destruction of terrorist logistics bases, structures and assembly points used by fighters operating within the Southern Tumbuns corridor.
The Military sources further noted that the destruction of logistics infrastructure within the Tumbuns remains critical to ongoing efforts aimed at disrupting the insurgents’ resupply networks, mobility and operational sustainability across the Lake Chad region.
In a related development, another AI mission was conducted on May 26 at about 0540 hours targeting Biramiri in the Gezuwa general area, another identified terrorist enclave.
During successive attack passes over the area, aircrew successfully engaged the identified targets with precision munitions.
Subsequent assessments confirmed the destruction of logistics hubs and operational structures, with several terrorists reportedly neutralized during the operation.
Military intelligence experts believe the sustained tempo of coordinated ISR-backed air strikes is gradually eroding the operational freedom previously enjoyed by terrorist groups across Sambisa Forest, the Mandara Mountains and the Lake Chad Basin.
The increasing effectiveness of precision strikes, particularly those supported by real-time surveillance and intelligence fusion, is also believed to be limiting insurgent mobility while simultaneously forcing fighters into survival mode rather than offensive planning.
The current air campaign is achieving dual strategic objectives: physical degradation of terrorist capabilities and psychological destabilization of insurgent networks.
Sources at the Theartre Command maintain that the sustained pressure from air and ground forces under Operation HADIN KAI will continue to target terrorist enclaves, logistics corridors and leadership elements until insurgent operational capacities are significantly degraded across the North-East theatre.
Sustained Air Interdiction Campaign Deepens Fear Within ISWAP Ranks Across Sambisa, Tumbuns
News
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.

In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.
Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.

In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.
Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.

“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.
The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.
The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
News
Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs
Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, marked Democracy Day with the handover of two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and critical logistics to the Nigerian Army, after joining internally displaced persons (IDPs) for a symbolic celebration and distribution of food items to 2,500 beneficiaries.
The armoured MRAPs delivered to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai on Friday are intended to enhance troop protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes which remain a persistent threat in the fight against insurgents. Additional logistics include operational Hilux vehicles and motorcycles for frontline soldiers in difficult terrains.
Zulum also marked Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Madinatu camp where he distributed food supplies, non-food items, and cash gifts to thousands of beneficiaries.
The distribution, held at the Madinatu IDP camp, served to consolidate Zulum’s resettlement gains. Over the past seven years, Borno State Government has successfully resettled more than 2 million IDPs in their ancestral communities in a dignified and voluntary manner.
“It gladdens my heart today, the 12th of June, 2026, to celebrate June 12th, Democracy Day, here in Madinatu Camp, the only formal camp that is standing inside Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, today, to the glory of God and the benefit of mankind, for the distribution of food and non-food items. Inshallah, this camp will be closed this year. This will be our last distribution exercise in this camp, or the second to the last,” Zulum said.
However, Governor Zulum used the occasion to announce a timeline for the camp’s closure. The governor ordered that Madinatu camp be shut down within one month, vowing to similarly close most IDP camps across various Local Government Areas in the coming phase of his administration’s resettlement strategy.
“Democracy must translate into restoring the dignity of our people,” Zulum told the IDPs. “Living in camps is not a permanent solution. Our goal remains to return every displaced person to their ancestral homes with security and means of livelihood.”
In addition to the food items, Zulum approved N50,000 each for the 2,500 beneficiaries present at the event.
“Each of the 500 beneficiaries mentioned will receive a 25kg bag of rice and a 25kg bag of sorghum. Women will receive wrappers. I also promise to provide 50,000 naira to each beneficiary. This amount can be credited into their own individual accounts, inshallah,” Zulum said.
The exercise was attended by the APC’s State Deputy Chairman, Garba Mulima, APC State Vice Chairman (Central) Abdur Rahman Abdulkarim, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, Member representing Jere at the State Assembly, Abba Kyari Kolo, commissioners and commissioner designates and several other senior government officials.
Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs
News
Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano
Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano
By: Michael Mike
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the arrest of a suspected gun courier intercepted while allegedly transporting weapons believed to be destined for criminal elements in Katsina State.
The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday, June 12, 2026.

Governor Yusuf described the operation as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes threatening communities across Northern Nigeria.
According to information provided by the DSS, the suspect, identified as Muhammad Abubakar, 30, was apprehended in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State while allegedly transporting four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, three AK-47 rifles and two empty magazines to Funtua in Katsina State.
Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect collected the weapons from an individual identified as Bello in the Maigatari border area of Jigawa State and was expected to receive N450,000 upon successful delivery of the arms.
Governor Yusuf praised the professionalism, vigilance and intelligence-driven approach of DSS operatives, noting that the timely interception prevented the weapons from falling into the hands of bandits and other criminal groups.
He said the operation underscored the critical role of intelligence gathering and effective collaboration among security agencies in tackling emerging security threats across the country.
The governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Government to supporting security agencies through sustained cooperation, logistics assistance and policies aimed at strengthening public safety throughout the state.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to aid efforts to combat crime and maintain peace.
Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that ongoing investigations would lead to the arrest and prosecution of all individuals connected to the alleged arms trafficking network.
The statement was signed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.
Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano
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