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The Nigerian Air Force said, on Tuesday, that a precision air strike against Boko Haram enclaves in Chikide and Degbewa in Borno State inflicted heavy losses on the terrorist group.
Acting on credible Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance reports, the NAF said it targeted key insurgent hideouts within the rugged Mandara Mountains, where notorious terrorist leader Ali Ngulde and his fighters were believed to be meeting.
A statement on Tuesday by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, Group Captain Kabiru Ali, said surveillance confirmed the presence of a fortified command hub with solar-powered installations, prompting the service to execute a surprise night attack.
He said, “In a bold demonstration of air power and precision night warfare capabilities, the NAF executed a devastating nocturnal air strike against terrorist hideouts in Chikide and Degbewa on 16 March 2025. The night operation targeted insurgent enclaves deep within the treacherous Mandara Mountains, delivering a crippling blow to the terrorists’ stronghold and disrupting their activities.
”Acting on credible Intelligence, ISR data, reports indicated that the notorious terrorist leader, Ali Ngulde, and his fighters had planned a high-level engagement at the location.
“ISR missions over the area confirmed terrorist activity at a key assembly point in Degbewa, alongside the presence of heavily fortified structures equipped with solar-powered installations – clear evidence of an active command hub. Following this intelligence, the NAF immediately launched a precision night strike under the cover of darkness, achieving complete surprise.”
Ali said the operation destroyed key logistics and command structures, igniting large fires and neutralising scores of terrorists.
“The successful execution of this night operation underscores the NAF’s growing dominance in both day and night air power capabilities, proving that insurgents can no longer operate under the cover of darkness. Through relentless precision strikes and sustained air operations, the NAF remains committed to utilising its formidable air power to neutralise terrorist networks and restore lasting peace to the region,” Ali added.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force announced on Tuesday that its operatives arrested three suspects with 30 cartons of codeine syrup and other hard drugs allegedly intended for Boko Haram insurgents and bandits in Yobe State.
According to the police, the suspects were part of a syndicate that transports illicit drugs to criminals operating in the Potiskum area of the state.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement, saying the suspects were apprehended on February 1, 2025, by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department – Special Tactical Squad following credible intelligence.
Adejobi identified the suspects as 50-year-old Alhaji Usman Yahaya, 27-year-old Joseph Matthew, and 25-year-old Solomon Bala, all residents of Potiskum, Yobe State.
The statement partly read, “The suspects were apprehended while transporting 30 cartons of codeine syrup and other various hard drugs around Potiskum. They confessed that the drugs were intended for supply to bandits, Boko Haram insurgents, and kidnappers terrorising Yobe State and neighbouring countries.”
Adejobi also announced the arrest of a 30-year-old woman, Hauwa Sani, for allegedly smuggling ammunition concealed inside a five-litre container of palm oil.
The suspect was reportedly intercepted by the police while transporting the recovered items to Katsina State.
Adejobi added, “On December 23, 2024, at about 5:50pm, operatives of FID-STS intercepted Hauwa Sani, a 30-year-old female resident of Doro village, along the Keffi-Abuja Expressway.
“She was found in possession of 124 rounds of live ammunition of various calibres, concealed inside a five-litre container of palm oil. She confessed that one Nasiru of Daura instructed her to deliver the ammunition to Katsina State.
“Further investigations have led to several other recoveries and arrests, which are currently undergoing profiling. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities or items to the appropriate authorities.”
Additionally, Adejobi revealed that two suspects, Yusuf Datani and Usman Labaran, were caught in possession of 10 AK-47 rifles.
“Furthermore, on February 3, 2025, operatives of FID-STS apprehended Yusuf Dantani, 24; Usman Labaran, 32; and Musa Mohammed, 23, with 10 AK-47 rifles.
“Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in multiple arms deals and admitted to receiving ₦3,980,000 for the last batch of arms they were meant to trade.”
Adejobi emphasised that these successful operations underscore the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to proactively combating crime, disrupting criminal networks, and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.
He added, “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its efforts to dismantle criminal enterprises and bring perpetrators to justice. We urge the public to support our efforts by providing timely and accurate information that can aid in crime prevention and detection.
“The Nigeria Police Force has recently recorded significant successes in disrupting criminal activities and apprehending individuals involved in arms smuggling, drug trafficking, and currency counterfeiting. These achievements highlight the dedication of its tactical teams, including the FID-STS.”
Several states in Nigeria continue to suffer from bandit attacks, with criminals raiding villages, killing and abducting residents, and looting and burning homes.
However, recent reports indicate that security forces are making significant progress in the fight against banditry and terrorism.
A similar arrest was recorded in March when operatives of Dragon 14, under the state police command, arrested a 55-year-old suspected gunrunner, Peter James.
The suspect was apprehended on March 3 during a stop-and-search operation along the Warri-Benin Road near Western Delta University, Oghara.
He was found in possession of three AK-47 rifles, 2,080 rounds of 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition, and another 1,040 rounds of 51mm ammunition packed in four boxes.
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