The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed the elimination of high-value terrorist commanders and fighters following a precision airstrike in the Sambisa Forest axis of Borno State.
The operation, conducted on February 28, 2026, by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai under the Joint Task Force (North-East), targeted insurgent enclaves in the Yuwe general area.
According to the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the mission followed detailed Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations that verified the presence of structures being used as command hideouts and logistics depots by terrorist leaders.
He explained that the early morning air interdiction was intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated to ensure precision.
NAF strike aircraft subsequently engaged the confirmed targets, delivering bombardments that destroyed key facilities and dismantled what was described as a critical command-and-control hub within the Sambisa axis.
“Post-strike battle damage assessments, supported by credible intelligence, confirmed the neutralisation of several senior commanders and fighters believed to have been coordinating attacks within the theatre of operations. The strikes also disrupted supply chains and significantly weakened the insurgents’ operational capabilities,” Ejodame said.
The Air Force added that surveillance flights have continued over the area to monitor fleeing insurgents and identify additional verified targets, sustaining pressure on remnants attempting to regroup.
Reacting to the development, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, commended the professionalism and precision of the aircrew and support teams involved in the mission.
He reaffirmed the NAF’s resolve to deny terrorists safe havens anywhere in the country.
“The Nigerian Air Force will continue to project decisive air power in close coordination with ground forces until all identified terrorist enclaves are dismantled,” Aneke said.
Ejodame stressed that intelligence-led operations would remain central to ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace and security in the North-East.
Linus Aleke in Abuja
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