The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its air offensive against terrorists and armed bandits operating in the North-West, carrying out precision strikes on identified criminal hideouts while expanding intelligence, surveillance and armed reconnaissance missions in support of ongoing joint military operations.
The operations were conducted by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma Sector 1 on June 18 and 19, 2026, as part of efforts to deny criminal elements freedom of movement and strengthen security across the theatre of operations.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the sustained air missions were aimed at disrupting terrorist activities and degrading the operational capabilities of armed groups threatening peace and stability in the region.
“Acting on credible intelligence, NAF aircraft successfully engaged a confirmed terrorist stronghold within the Joint Operations Area, delivering precision strikes that disrupted the activities of criminal elements and significantly weakened their operational capacity,” Ejodame said.
He added that in a separate intelligence-led operation around Kidandan, NAF aircraft successfully neutralised terrorists after positively identifying their movement within the area.
Ejodame said subsequent reconnaissance missions over Fatika and Sabuwa confirmed the absence of further terrorist activity, while continuous aerial surveillance was maintained in support of friendly ground forces and ongoing operations throughout the theatre.
Reaffirming the importance of joint operations, the Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said effective air power achieves maximum impact when integrated with ground operations.
“Decisive air power delivers its greatest effect when seamlessly integrated with surface operations,” he said.
The NAF stated that it would continue deploying intelligence-driven air power in close coordination with ground troops to neutralise terrorists, protect civilians and restore peace across the North-West.
The service also reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the current operational momentum until terrorist and bandit networks in the region are decisively dismantled.
Linus Aleke
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