The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has stepped up its aerial campaign against terrorists and armed bandits in the North-West, launching a series of precision air strikes and intelligence-driven operations aimed at weakening criminal networks and supporting ongoing military offensives in the region.
The operations, conducted by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma Sector 1, took place on June 18 and 19, 2026, as security forces intensified efforts to curb insurgent activities and restrict the movement of armed groups operating across the theatre.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the latest missions formed part of a broader strategy to dismantle terrorist infrastructure, enhance security and create favourable conditions for ground operations.
Ejodame disclosed that the operations were executed following credible intelligence reports that identified key terrorist locations within the Joint Operations Area.
“Acting on credible intelligence, NAF aircraft successfully engaged a confirmed terrorist stronghold within the Joint Operations Area, delivering precision strikes that disrupted the activities of criminal elements and significantly weakened their operational capacity,” he said.
The Air Force spokesman explained that the targeted strikes were designed to destroy operational bases, limit the mobility of terrorist groups and reduce their ability to coordinate attacks against communities and security personnel.
In another operation carried out around Kidandan, NAF aircraft reportedly tracked and engaged suspected terrorists after confirming their movement through intelligence and aerial surveillance.
Ejodame said the operation resulted in the successful neutralisation of the identified targets, further disrupting the activities of armed groups within the area.
He added that follow-up reconnaissance missions conducted over Fatika and Sabuwa did not reveal any further terrorist presence, indicating that the strikes had achieved their immediate objectives.
According to the Air Force, aerial surveillance and armed reconnaissance flights have continued across the operational theatre to provide real-time intelligence and support ongoing ground operations by security forces.
The service noted that the integration of intelligence gathering, surveillance capabilities and precision strike operations remains critical to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and preventing them from regrouping.
Commenting on the importance of coordinated military operations, the Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, emphasised the need for close collaboration between air and ground forces in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
“Decisive air power delivers its greatest effect when seamlessly integrated with surface operations,” he said.
The Air Chief maintained that effective coordination between the various components of the armed forces remains essential for achieving lasting success in ongoing counterterrorism and counter-banditry operations.
The NAF reiterated its commitment to deploying intelligence-led air power to support troops on the ground, protect civilian populations and restore stability to affected communities across the North-West.
The service further assured Nigerians that it would sustain the current operational tempo and continue targeting terrorist enclaves until criminal networks operating within the region are dismantled.
Military authorities believed that the combination of precision air strikes, continuous surveillance and joint-force coordination will further degrade the capabilities of terrorist and bandit groups while strengthening security across vulnerable areas.
The latest operations underscore the military’s determination to intensify pressure on criminal elements and deny them safe havens as efforts continue to restore peace and stability in parts of the country affected by insecurity.
