By Harriet Tornguvan
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its offensive operations against terrorists and armed bandits in the North-West, carrying out precision air strikes that degraded criminal hideouts and disrupted their activities across the theatre.
The operations, conducted on June 18 and 19, 2026, were executed by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA Sector 1 as part of ongoing efforts to deny criminal elements freedom of action and strengthen security operations in the region.
According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the successful air operations were based on credible intelligence gathered by the force.
Ejodame said NAF aircraft struck a confirmed terrorist stronghold within the Joint Operations Area, effectively disrupting the activities of the criminals and reducing their operational capabilities.
He added that in another intelligence-led mission around Kidandan, NAF aircraft identified and neutralised terrorists after confirming their movement within the area.
The statement further revealed that follow-up aerial reconnaissance missions conducted over Fatika and Sabuwa confirmed the absence of further terrorist activities, while surveillance operations continued to provide support to ground troops engaged in ongoing missions.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has consistently stressed the importance of integrating air power with surface operations to achieve decisive results against security threats.
The NAF said it would continue to deploy intelligence-driven air operations in collaboration with ground forces to dismantle terrorist and bandit networks, protect civilians and restore peace across the North-West.
The force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the operational tempo until criminal elements are completely denied the capacity to threaten national security.
