By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force has recorded another significant success in the fight against terrorism with a devastating precision air interdiction mission that destroyed a major terrorist enclave at Arra, deep within the Sambisa general area, on 19 November 2025.
In an official signed statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, revealed that the operation was executed under the directive of the Chief of the Air Staff and formed part of the ongoing intensified counterterrorism efforts of the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai.
According to him, the mission was the culmination of a series of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance flights that closely monitored terrorist movements after the 17 October ambush on ground troops at Kashomri. He explained that persistent ISR coverage over Kashomri and across the Sambisa axis exposed unusual activities and active terrorist structures at Arra, confirming it as a hostile hub requiring immediate neutralisation.
Air Commodore Ejodame noted that the air interdiction was deliberately planned and intelligence-driven. He stated that NAF aircraft acquired the designated targets and engaged them through coordinated and successive strike passes, ensuring maximum precision and impact. “The strike achieved its intended effect with the complete destruction of all identified targets,” he disclosed, adding that the operation significantly degraded the terrorists’ operational capability and disrupted their command and logistics networks.
He emphasised that the success of the mission underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering commitment to protecting the nation and maintaining pressure on terrorist elements across all theatres of operation. He reaffirmed that the Air Force remains resolute in its mandate to neutralise threats, support ground forces, defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity, and secure lasting peace for the country.
