The Air Component of the Armed Forces of Nigeria intensified air operations against terrorists in August, recording significant successes in Niger State through precision strikes and sustained armed reconnaissance missions.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this during a press briefing on the ongoing military operations of the Armed Forces for August 2026.
According to Onoja, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted a series of air operations in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, targeting terrorist concentrations and disrupting their movements.
Scores Neutralised in Precision Strike
Onoja said that on August 6, surveillance missions over Kampani Bobi and Beri Settlement detected terrorists gathered with about 15 motorcycles, apparently preparing for hostile activities.
The Air Component subsequently conducted a precision air strike on the location, neutralising scores of terrorists.
He said the subsequent Battle Damage Assessment confirmed the success of the strike, while secondary explosions indicated the destruction of additional logistics and equipment, including explosive ordnance.
120 Terrorists, 300 Motorcycles Targeted
In another major operation on August 9, military aircraft conducted armed reconnaissance over Sangeko and Baba-Doka areas of Mariga LGA following intelligence reports of a large concentration of terrorists, many of them riding motorcycles.
The aircraft engaged the terrorists with rockets and cannon fire, effectively disrupting their movement and activities.
“Initial reports indicated approximately 120 bodies and about 300 motorcycles at the location,” Onoja said, adding that further monitoring was ongoing to assess the full impact of the operation.
Air Strikes Disrupt Cattle Rustlers
The Air Component also recorded another success on August 13, when armed reconnaissance around Maburya in Mariga LGA detected a large group of terrorists moving with rustled cattle.
An aircraft subsequently conducted a clearance patrol along the Kainji-Daban Woko axis and carried out armed reconnaissance over Maburya and adjoining areas.
The terrorists were sighted fleeing with a herd of rustled cattle and were engaged with onboard weapon systems.
The operation successfully disrupted their movement and activities, resulting in the neutralisation of 46 terrorists.
The latest operations, according to the Defence authorities, underscore the continued use of intelligence-led air power to degrade terrorist networks, disrupt criminal logistics and deny hostile elements freedom of movement across the country's operational theatres.
