By Deborah Nnamdi
The Nigerian Air Force has intensified its offensive against terrorists and armed bandits in the North-West, destroying identified strongholds and neutralising several insurgents in a series of intelligence-led air operations.
The operations were carried out by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma Sector 1, targeting terrorist enclaves around Kidandan and other locations within the Joint Operations Area.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the strikes followed credible intelligence that confirmed the movement and activities of terrorists in the targeted areas.
According to him, the missions formed part of ongoing efforts to degrade the operational capabilities of terrorists and armed bandits across the North-West while supporting joint military operations in the region.
“The coordinated missions, conducted on June 18 and 19, 2026, underscore the NAF’s unwavering resolve to deny criminal elements freedom of action and reinforce security across the theatre,” Ejodame said.
He disclosed that NAF aircraft successfully struck a confirmed terrorist stronghold, disrupting the activities of criminal elements and significantly weakening their operational capacity.
Ejodame added that follow-up reconnaissance missions over Fatika and Sabuwa confirmed the absence of further terrorist activity in the affected areas, while aerial surveillance continued to support ground troops and monitor developments across the theatre of operations.
He said the sustained offensive reflects the strategic vision of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, who has consistently advocated the integration of air power with ground operations to achieve maximum operational effectiveness.
“The Chief of the Air Staff has maintained that decisive air power delivers its greatest effect when seamlessly integrated with surface operations,” he said.
The NAF spokesman reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to deploying intelligence-driven air power in close coordination with ground forces to neutralise terrorist threats, protect civilian populations and restore peace and security across the region.
He added that the service would sustain the current operational momentum until terrorist and bandit networks operating in the North-West are completely dismantled.
