The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), under Operation Fansan Yamma Sector 1, has recorded major operational successes against terrorist elements in parts of Niger State following a series of intelligence-led air interdiction missions conducted between May 20 and 23, 2026.
Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed that the operations targeted terrorist hideouts and movement corridors across Rafi and Mariga Local Government Areas, leading to the neutralisation of several terrorists and disruption of planned attacks.
According to him, on May 20, credible intelligence revealed the movement and convergence of terrorists around Tungan Bako and Kasuwan Daji in Rafi LGA. Acting on the intelligence, the Air Component, working alongside the Nigerian Army Space Command Regiment, carried out precision air strikes that successfully eliminated several terrorists and dismantled their operational build-up in the area.
Ejodame further stated that on May 21, air assets identified terrorists moving on motorcycles and on foot with rustled cattle from Tungunguna towards Uregi. The terrorists were subsequently engaged and neutralised, while their mobility and withdrawal capability were destroyed.
He added that the Air Component also provided close air support to troops engaged in combat with terrorists at Tungan Makeri on the same day, helping friendly forces regain operational advantage after precision engagements on hostile positions.
In continuation of the offensive operations, the Air Component conducted armed reconnaissance missions on May 23 over Dogon Dawa and surrounding locations in Mariga LGA following intelligence reports of planned terrorist attacks on troop positions.
“Terrorist elements attempting tactical movement within the area were swiftly acquired and engaged with precision strikes, leading to the successful neutralisation of a significant number of terrorists and disruption of the planned attacks,” Ejodame stated.
He noted that post-strike assessments confirmed the effectiveness of the operations in degrading terrorist capabilities and denying them freedom of action within the affected areas.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, commended the professionalism and precision displayed by the personnel involved in the operations.
He reassured Nigerians of the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to sustaining aggressive intelligence-driven air operations in collaboration with other security agencies to neutralise terrorist threats, protect lives and restore lasting peace across troubled regions of the country.
