The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that it carried out targeted airstrikes against terrorist positions at Dabar Masara, a known hideout in the Southern Tumbuns area of Borno State, killing several fighters and destroying key facilities.
The operation took place on Sunday, 14 December 2025, and was executed by the Air Component of Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI as part of ongoing military efforts to weaken terrorist groups operating in the North East.
In a statement released on Monday, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the mission followed detailed intelligence gathering and surveillance activities.
According to him, earlier intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions showed repeated movements by terrorists in the area, along with several vehicles hidden under thick vegetation. These findings confirmed that the location was being used as an active logistics base.
Ejodame explained that intelligence reports also indicated the presence of a terrorist workshop and continuous movement of armed fighters, which led to the decision to carry out the strike.
He said that further surveillance on the day of the operation confirmed the presence of terrorists moving around the site and near the concealed vehicles. After proper identification and in line with the rules guiding military operations, the air force engaged the targets.
A post-operation assessment later confirmed that the vehicles were destroyed and several terrorist elements were neutralised during the strike.
“The successful execution of this mission shows the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to intelligence-led and precise air operations aimed at weakening terrorist networks and improving security in affected areas,” Ejodame said.
The Southern Tumbuns, located around the Lake Chad region, is made up of vast marshlands that have long served as hideouts for terrorist groups. Nigerian military forces have continued both air and ground operations in the area to reduce insurgent activities and restore stability across the North East.