The Nigerian Air Force conducted a precision air interdiction operation at Dabar Masara in the Southern Tumbuns of Borno State, striking what military intelligence identified as an active terrorist logistics hub amid ongoing counterterrorism operations in the North-East.
The operation took place on December 14, 2025, under the Air Component of Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI, targeting locations where terrorists had established concealment for logistics, movement, and operational coordination.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said coordinated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions had tracked persistent terrorist activity in the area prior to the strike.
According to Ejodame, surveillance operations repeatedly detected terrorist movement and uncovered several vehicles hidden under vegetation, indicating sustained logistical use of the location.
Intelligence assessments identified the area as a functional hub supporting terrorist operations within the Southern Tumbuns.
The statement read in part, “The Nigerian Air Force has successfully conducted a precision Air Interdiction mission on 14 December 2025 at Dabar Masara, a known terrorist location in the Southern Tumbuns, as part of ongoing operations to disrupt terrorist activities and logistics.
“Acting on credible intelligence indicating the presence of a terrorist workshop and sustained movement of armed elements, the Air Component of Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI deployed an integrated force package to conduct coordinated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions with strike operations.
“Prior ISR missions had revealed repeated terrorist movement within the area, as well as a significant concentration of vehicles concealed under vegetation, confirming the location as an active terrorist logistics hub.”
On the day of the operation, surveillance assets confirmed the presence of terrorists manoeuvring around the concealed vehicles, reinforcing earlier intelligence assessments and validating the target area for engagement.
Ejodame said the Air Component proceeded with the strike after confirming positive identification and ensuring compliance with established Rules of Engagement, leading to the engagement of the identified targets.
He added that post-operation assessments verified the effectiveness of the mission, confirming the destruction of the vehicles and the neutralisation of terrorist elements operating within the area.
According to him, “On the day of the operation, further surveillance validated the earlier findings, with terrorists observed manoeuvring within the location and around the identified vehicles. Following positive identification and in strict adherence to the Rules of Engagement, the targets were engaged.
“Post-operation Battle Damage Assessment confirmed that the identified vehicles were destroyed and terrorist elements were neutralised.
“The successful execution of this mission underscores the NAF’s continued commitment to intelligence-driven, precise air operations in support of national efforts to degrade terrorist networks and enhance security across affected regions.”
The Southern Tumbuns, a vast marshland terrain surrounding Lake Chad, has remained a strategic hideout for terrorist groups due to its difficult access and natural cover.
Nigerian military forces have sustained both air and ground operations in the area as part of broader efforts to limit insurgent mobility, disrupt supply chains, and weaken operational capabilities across the North-East.
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