The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its offensive against terrorists and armed bandits in the North-West, delivering precision air strikes on identified criminal enclaves and sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks across the region.
According to an official signed statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the operations were conducted under the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA Sector 1 on June 18 and 19, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to reinforce security and deny criminal elements freedom of action within the theatre of operations.
The statement disclosed that NAF aircraft, acting on credible intelligence, successfully struck a confirmed terrorist stronghold within the Joint Operations Area, disrupting the activities of the criminals and significantly degrading their operational capabilities.
In a separate intelligence-led mission around Kidandan, air assets of the Nigerian Air Force reportedly neutralised terrorists after positively identifying their movement within the area.
The Air Force further revealed that follow-up reconnaissance missions conducted over Fatika and Sabuwa confirmed the absence of further terrorist activity, while aerial surveillance operations continued in support of friendly ground forces engaged in ongoing security operations across the region.
The operations form part of a broader campaign by the Nigerian Air Force to provide effective air support to ground troops through intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and precision strike missions targeted at terrorist and bandit networks.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has repeatedly stressed the importance of joint force operations in tackling insecurity, noting that the effectiveness of air power is maximised when closely integrated with surface operations.
According to the statement, the Nigerian Air Force remains committed to employing intelligence-driven air power in close coordination with ground forces to neutralise terrorists, protect innocent civilians and restore lasting peace across the North-West.
The service reaffirmed its determination to sustain the current operational momentum until terrorist and bandit networks operating within the region are decisively dismantled.
