By Kingsley Omonobi
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its offensive against terrorists and armed bandits in the North-West, successfully destroying identified strongholds and neutralising several insurgents in a series of intelligence-led air operations.
The operations, carried out by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma Sector 1, targeted terrorist enclaves around Kidandan and other locations within the Joint Operations Area.
In a statement on Saturday, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the strikes were conducted following credible intelligence that confirmed the movement and activities of terrorists within the targeted areas.
According to him, the air missions formed part of sustained efforts by the Air Force to degrade the operational capabilities of terrorists and armed bandits across the North-West while providing support for ongoing joint military operations.
“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 stated.
He explained that NAF aircraft successfully struck a confirmed terrorist stronghold, disrupting the activities of criminal elements and significantly weakening their operational capacity.
Ejodame added that follow-up reconnaissance missions over Fatika and Sabuwa confirmed the absence of further terrorist activity in the affected locations, while aerial surveillance continued to support ground troops and monitor developments across the theatre of operations.
He noted that the sustained operations reflect the strategic vision of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, who has consistently emphasised the importance of integrating air power with ground operations to achieve maximum operational effectiveness.
“The Chief of the Air Staff has maintained that decisive air power delivers its greatest effect when seamlessly integrated with surface operations,” he said.
According to the NAF spokesman, the Air Force will continue to deploy intelligence-driven air power in close coordination with ground forces to neutralise terrorist threats, protect civilian populations and restore peace and security in the region.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Air Force to sustain the current operational momentum until terrorist and bandit networks operating in the North-West are completely dismantled.
