NAF Intensifies Air Offensive, Hits Terrorist Hideouts in North-West

NAF Intensifies Air Offensive, Hits Terrorist Hideouts in North-West

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its aerial campaign against terrorists and armed bandits in the North-West, carrying out a series of precision strikes and surveillance missions that targeted criminal hideouts and disrupted the activities of insurgent groups across the region.

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The operations, conducted by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA Sector 1 on June 18 and 19, 2026, formed part of ongoing efforts to support ground troops and maintain sustained pressure on terrorist and bandit networks operating within the theatre.

According to the NAF, the missions were launched following credible intelligence on the movement and activities of criminal elements in several locations across the Joint Operations Area.

During one of the operations, NAF aircraft successfully engaged and struck a confirmed terrorist enclave, inflicting significant damage on the group’s operational capability and disrupting its activities.

In a separate intelligence-led mission around Kidandan, air assets tracked and positively identified the movement of suspected terrorists before carrying out a successful engagement that neutralised the targets.

The Air Force also conducted follow-up reconnaissance missions over Fatika and Sabuwa, where surveillance confirmed the absence of further terrorist activity, while additional intelligence, surveillance and armed reconnaissance flights were maintained to support ongoing military operations and provide real-time situational awareness for troops on the ground.

Military authorities said the operations reflect the growing effectiveness of intelligence-driven air power and the close coordination between air and ground forces in tackling insecurity across the North-West.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reiterated the importance of integrated operations, noting that air power achieves maximum impact when synchronised with surface forces.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorists and bandits, stressing that efforts would continue until criminal networks are dismantled and lasting peace is restored across affected communities.

The latest missions add to a series of recent air operations aimed at denying terrorists safe havens, disrupting their movements and strengthening security across the region.

NAF Intensifies Air Offensive, Hits Terrorist Hideouts in North-West