The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its offensive against terrorists and armed bandits operating in the North-West, destroying identified hideouts and neutralising several insurgents during a series of intelligence-led air operations.
The operations were executed by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma Sector 1 and focused on terrorist strongholds located around Kidandan and other areas within the Joint Operations Area.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the missions were launched following credible intelligence that confirmed the movement and activities of terrorists in the targeted locations.
According to him, the air operations are part of ongoing efforts to weaken the operational capacity of terrorists and armed bandits while providing critical support to joint military campaigns aimed at restoring security in the region.
“The coordinated missions, conducted on June 18 and 19, 2026, underscore the NAF’s unwavering resolve to deny criminal elements freedom of action and reinforce security across the theatre,” Ejodame said.
He disclosed that NAF aircraft successfully struck a confirmed terrorist enclave, disrupting the activities of the criminal groups and significantly degrading their operational capabilities.
The spokesman added that subsequent reconnaissance missions conducted over Fatika and Sabuwa revealed no signs of renewed terrorist activity in the affected locations. He noted that surveillance operations remain ongoing to support ground troops and monitor developments across the operational environment.
Ejodame explained that the sustained campaign reflects the strategic direction of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, who has consistently advocated stronger integration between air and ground operations to maximise military effectiveness.
“The Chief of the Air Staff has maintained that decisive air power delivers its greatest effect when seamlessly integrated with surface operations,” he stated.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force to continue deploying intelligence-driven air power alongside coordinated ground operations to eliminate terrorist threats, protect civilians and restore lasting peace in affected communities.
The Air Force also assured Nigerians that the current operational momentum would be sustained until terrorist and bandit networks operating across the North-West are dismantled and no longer pose a threat to national security.
