Nigerian Air Force pounds terrorist hideouts, neutralises dozens in North-West

There has been an increased offensive by the Nigerian Air Force against terrorists and armed bandits in the North West zone of Nigeria where the force has succeeded in destroying their identified bases and neutralizing several insurgents through intelligence-driven air strikes.

These air strikes were launched by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma Sector 1 against the bases of the terrorists in the area of Kidandan and other areas in the Joint Operations Area.

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Director of Public Relations and Information of NAF revealed this development on Saturday, saying the operation was launched after intelligence that showed the movement and operations of the terrorists in the designated areas.

The air operations, he noted, were some of the measures that the Air Force had been deploying to reduce the strength of the terrorists and armed bandits in the North West 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 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.