In a significant escalation of counter-insurgency efforts in Nigeria's North East, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) executed a highly effective air interdiction operation on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, targeting a key insurgent enclave known as Arra, located deep within the expansive Sambisa Forest in Borno State.
The operation was conducted by the Air Component of the Joint Task Force under Operation Hadin Kai, the multinational military campaign aimed at dismantling remnants of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) factions. It was launched in direct response to heightened directives from the Chief of the Air Staff, emphasizing aggressive intelligence-led actions to prevent insurgents from regrouping following recent setbacks inflicted on Nigerian ground forces.
Intelligence gathering played a pivotal role in the mission's success. Extensive surveillance and reconnaissance efforts, initiated after an insurgent ambush on October 17, 2025, in the Kashomri area of Bama Local Government Area, revealed unusual movements and the establishment of fortified positions at Arra.
That earlier attack had resulted in casualties among troops, including high-ranking officers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, underscoring the persistent threat posed by hideouts in the Sambisa region.
Sambisa Forest, spanning thousands of square kilometers across Borno and neighboring states, has long served as a strategic sanctuary for jihadist groups since the insurgency intensified over a decade ago. Once a colonial-era game reserve teeming with wildlife, including rare species like ostriches and diverse bird populations, the area has transformed into a complex network of concealed camps, logistics hubs, and training grounds.
Its dense vegetation, rugged terrain, and proximity to the Cameroon border make it ideal for evading detection, allowing insurgents to launch ambushes, store weapons, and coordinate attacks on civilian and military targets.
Persistent aerial monitoring over Kashomri and broader Sambisa zones identified active structures at Arra, including potential command centers and supply depots. NAF platforms, employing advanced targeting systems, conducted multiple coordinated strikes, ensuring precise engagement of verified objectives while minimizing risks to surrounding areas.
Post-strike assessments confirmed the total neutralization of all designated targets, severely impairing the insurgents' ability to sustain operations. The action disrupted critical supply lines and command structures, delivering a major blow to groups that continue to exploit the forest's remoteness for regrouping despite years of sustained military pressure.
This latest success aligns with broader advancements under Operation Hadin Kai in recent weeks, including ground operations that have rescued kidnapped victims, intercepted logistics suppliers, and prevented potential abductions. The NAF's enhanced focus on air-ground integration reflects ongoing investments in intelligence capabilities and precision munitions, aimed at accelerating the restoration of security in the North East.
Military officials reiterated that operations will intensify across known enclaves to deny insurgents any safe haven, supporting the safe return of displaced communities and enabling humanitarian access. The Nigerian Armed Forces remain committed to collaborative efforts with regional partners to achieve lasting stability in the Lake Chad Basin region.