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The Nigerian Air Force has conducted a series of intelligence-led air strikes against terrorist and bandit enclaves in the North-West, destroying several strongholds and neutralising insurgents, the military said on Saturday.
The operations, executed by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma Sector 1, focused on locations around Kidandan and other areas within the Joint Operations Area, according to a statement by NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
The strikes followed credible intelligence confirming terrorist movements and activities in the targeted zones, Ejodame said.
“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 stated.
NAF aircraft successfully struck a confirmed terrorist stronghold, disrupting criminal activities and weakening their operational capacity, Ejodame explained.
*PRESS RELEASE*
NAF AIR STRIKES DEGRADE TERRORIST STRONGHOLDS, SUSTAIN OFFENSIVE IN NORTH-WEST pic.twitter.com/nuHO9LOMg1
— Nigerian Air Force (@NigAirForce) June 20, 2026
Follow-up reconnaissance missions over Fatika and Sabuwa confirmed the absence of further terrorist activity in those locations, while aerial surveillance continued to support ground troops and monitor developments across the theatre.
The sustained operations reflect the strategic vision of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, who has consistently emphasised the importance of integrating air power with ground operations.
“The Chief of the Air Staff has maintained that decisive air power delivers its greatest effect when seamlessly integrated with surface operations,” Ejodame said.
The Air Force will continue to deploy intelligence-driven air power in close coordination with ground forces to neutralise terrorist threats, protect civilian populations and restore peace and security in the region, the spokesman added.
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining the current operational momentum until terrorist and bandit networks operating in the North-West are completely dismantled.
