The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), as part of Operation Hadin Kai, has conducted successful air strikes against Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State, neutralizing "scores" of fighters and thwarting planned attacks. The operations, carried out on Thursday and Friday, targeted key terrorist enclaves and hideouts in the Southern Tumbuns area, specifically identified by sources as Tumbumma Baba and Chiralia.

According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information (or NAF spokesperson), the air strikes were pre-emptive, based on credible intelligence indicating that the insurgents were planning to disrupt the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. In a statement released on Saturday, Ejodame elaborated, "NAF aircraft targeted terrorist structures reportedly used for storage and coordination, delivering direct hits and crippling planned attacks aimed at disrupting Eid celebrations."

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, also reported on the strikes, noting that they were aimed at the terrorists’ enclave in the Southern Tumbuns. The publication stated that several insurgents were killed and some of their equipment hidden in the forest was also destroyed. The intelligence received by the NAF indicated planned attacks by the insurgents before, during, and after the Eid celebration.

The NAF confirmed that "Battle Damage Assessments confirmed the neutralisation of several terrorists and the destruction of key logistics structures." Air Commodore Ejodame emphasized the significance of the operation, stating, "This pre-emptive action underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to safeguarding civilian lives and supporting national security objectives." The successful strikes significantly degraded the terrorists' capacity to launch attacks and helped ensure the safety of civilians during the festive period.