By Joy Onu
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified coordinated air operations against terrorist and armed bandit elements across Nigeria’s North-West, conducting precision strikes on identified hideouts while sustaining intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions in support of ongoing joint military efforts.
According to a statement by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, the operations were conducted on June 18 and 19, 2026, under the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA Sector 1.
Acting on credible intelligence, NAF air assets struck a confirmed terrorist enclave within the Joint Operations Area, disrupting the activities of criminal elements and significantly degrading their operational capability.
In a separate intelligence-driven mission around Kidandan, the Air Force said its aircraft successfully neutralised terrorists after positively identifying their movement in the area. Follow-up aerial reconnaissance over Fatika and Sabuwa reportedly confirmed the absence of further terrorist activity, while sustained surveillance missions continued in support of ground forces and ongoing operations across the theatre.
Emphasising the importance of joint-force synergy in modern counterinsurgency operations, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said, “Decisive air power delivers its greatest effect when seamlessly integrated with surface operations.”
The statement noted that, in line with this operational doctrine, the Nigerian Air Force remains committed to employing intelligence-driven air power in close coordination with ground forces to neutralise terrorists, protect innocent lives, and restore lasting peace and security across the North-West.
The NAF also reaffirmed its resolve to sustain the operational momentum until terrorist and bandit networks are decisively dismantled across the theatre of operations.
