By Harriet Tornguvan
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded another major breakthrough in the ongoing counter terrorism campaign in the North East, following precision air strikes that destroyed a terrorist enclave and neutralised scores of insurgents in the Lake Chad Basin.
The successful operation was carried out by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI in the early hours of June 10, 2026, at METELE in the Northern Tumbuns area of the Lake Chad region.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the operation was launched following credible intelligence reports and extensive Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions which confirmed the presence of a senior terrorist commander, terrorist hideouts and increased insurgent activities within the area.
Ejodame disclosed that acting on the intelligence gathered, NAF air assets were deployed to engage the identified targets with precision.
He explained that upon arrival at the target location, aircrew observed significant terrorist movement around concealed structures, further confirming the presence of hostile elements.
“Following positive target identification, the aircraft executed devastating strikes on the designated locations,” he stated.
The NAF spokesman added that post-strike Battle Damage Assessment revealed that the terrorist enclave was completely destroyed while scores of terrorists were neutralised during the operation.
Reacting to the successful mission, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, commended the personnel involved for their professionalism and commitment to duty.
Aneke reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s determination to sustain pressure on terrorist groups across the country, stressing that air power would continue to play a critical role in degrading terrorist capabilities.
“We will continue to leverage our air power capabilities to locate, strike and destroy terrorist targets wherever they are found. The Nigerian Air Force remains resolute in denying terrorists freedom of action and ensuring they have no safe haven within our sovereign territory,” the CAS said.
The latest air strike is part of ongoing efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to dismantle terrorist networks and restore lasting peace and security across the North-East region.
