The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its offensive against terrorists and armed bandits in the North-West, conducting a series of precision air strikes and intelligence-driven operations that have degraded criminal strongholds and disrupted terrorist activities across the region.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the operations were carried out by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA Sector 1 on June 18 and 19, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to support joint military operations and enhance security within the theatre.
The NAF said the coordinated missions involved precision strikes on identified terrorist enclaves, as well as intelligence, surveillance and armed reconnaissance operations aimed at tracking and neutralising criminal elements operating in the North-West.
Acting on credible intelligence, NAF aircraft successfully attacked a confirmed terrorist hideout within the Joint Operations Area, disrupting the activities of the insurgents and significantly degrading their operational capabilities.
In a separate intelligence-led mission around Kidandan, air assets reportedly neutralised several terrorists after positively identifying their movements within the area.
The Air Force also conducted follow-up reconnaissance missions over Fatika and Sabuwa, where surveillance confirmed the absence of further terrorist activity. Aerial monitoring and support for ground troops were sustained throughout the period to consolidate gains recorded during the operations.
Speaking on the significance of the campaign, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reiterated the importance of integrating air power with ground operations to achieve maximum operational effectiveness.
He stated that decisive air power yields its greatest impact when seamlessly coordinated with surface forces, noting that the NAF remains committed to employing intelligence-driven air operations in close collaboration with ground troops.
The Air Force said the ongoing operations are aimed at neutralising terrorist networks, protecting civilian populations and restoring lasting peace across the North-West.
NAF further assured Nigerians that it would sustain the current operational momentum until terrorist and bandit groups operating within the region are decisively dismantled.
