The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its offensive against terrorists and armed bandits in the North-West, carrying out a series of precision air strikes and intelligence-driven operations that successfully degraded terrorist strongholds and disrupted criminal activities across the region.
In statement Director of Public Relations and Information at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the operations, conducted on June 18 and 19, 2026, were executed by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA Sector 1 as part of ongoing efforts to support joint military operations and enhance security within the theatre.
According to the NAF, the missions involved a combination of precision strikes, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance activities targeted at identified terrorist enclaves and areas of suspected criminal activity.
Acting on credible intelligence, NAF aircraft launched a successful strike on a confirmed terrorist stronghold within the Joint Operations Area, significantly disrupting the activities of the criminal elements and reducing their operational capabilities.
In a separate intelligence-led mission around Kidandan, air assets engaged and neutralised terrorists after positively identifying their movement within the area.
The Air Force also conducted follow-up reconnaissance missions over Fatika and Sabuwa, which confirmed the absence of further terrorist activity, while sustained aerial surveillance continued in support of friendly ground forces operating across the region.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has consistently emphasised the importance of integrating air and ground operations to maximise operational effectiveness.
According to the Air Force, ongoing operations reflect this strategy, with intelligence-driven air power being employed in close coordination with ground troops to neutralise terrorists, protect civilian populations and restore lasting peace in affected communities.
The NAF reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the current operational momentum, stressing that air operations would continue until terrorist and bandit networks operating in the North-West are decisively dismantled.
