By Harriet Tornguvan
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), under the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma Sector 1, has recorded significant operational successes against terrorist elements in parts of Niger State following a series of intelligence-driven air operations.
The operations, conducted between May 20 and 23, 2026, targeted terrorist hideouts and movements across Rafi and Mariga Local Government Areas, resulting in the neutralisation of several insurgents and the disruption of planned attacks.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the operations were based on credible intelligence and executed in collaboration with ground forces.
Ejodame disclosed that on May 20, intelligence reports revealed the movement and gathering of terrorists around Tungan Bako and Kasuwan Daji in Rafi Local Government Area.
Acting on the information, the Air Component, working jointly with the Nigerian Army Space Command Regiment, carried out precision air interdiction strikes that successfully neutralised several terrorists and disrupted their operational build-up in the area.
The statement further revealed that on May 21, terrorists travelling on motorcycles and on foot while moving rustled cattle from Tungunguna towards Uregi were identified and engaged by NAF aircraft.
The precision strikes, according to the Air Force spokesperson, led to the elimination of the terrorists and destroyed their mobility and withdrawal capability.
On the same day, NAF aircraft also provided close air support to troops engaged in combat with terrorists at Tungan Makeri, successfully striking hostile positions and helping friendly forces regain operational advantage.
In continuation of the sustained offensive campaign, the Air Component carried out armed reconnaissance missions on May 23 over Dogon Dawa and surrounding communities in Mariga Local Government Area following reports of planned terrorist attacks on military positions.
During the reconnaissance mission, terrorist elements attempting tactical movements within the area were swiftly detected and engaged with precision strikes.
Ejodame said the operation resulted in the neutralisation of a significant number of terrorists and effectively disrupted the planned attacks.
He added that post-strike assessments confirmed the effectiveness of the missions in degrading terrorist capabilities and denying them freedom of action within the affected areas.
Reaffirming the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to national security, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, commended the professionalism and precision demonstrated by the personnel involved in the operations.
Aneke assured Nigerians that the NAF would sustain aggressive, intelligence-led air operations in collaboration with other security agencies to neutralise terrorist threats, protect innocent lives and restore lasting peace across troubled regions of the country.
