NAF Airstrikes Hit Terrorist Strongholds in North-East, North-West

NAF Airstrikes Hit Terrorist Strongholds in North-East, North-West

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed the successful execution of multiple precision air operations against terrorist strongholds in both the North-East and North-West regions of the country.

These operations, carried out between January 1 and 3, 2026, were conducted under the joint task forces of Operations HADIN KAI and FASAN YAMMA Sector 2, targeting key threat corridors identified through intelligence assessments.

In the North-East, fighter jets launched repeated precision strikes on concealed terrorist positions in Abirma and Chiralia, located within the Timbuktu Triangle. Sustained surveillance had revealed facilities linked to the manufacturing of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and operational planning. The strikes resulted in the destruction of targeted structures, with secondary explosions confirming the elimination of explosive stockpiles and critical logistics hubs.

Follow-up interdiction missions at Guva in the Mandara Mountains dismantled terrorist storage and coordination nodes, severely degrading their ability to regroup, resupply, or mount attacks during the festive season and beyond.

Simultaneously, in the North-West, NAF aircraft carried out decisive strikes in the Karaduwa Giginya Na axis of Matazu Local Government Area, Katsina State. Surveillance detected large motorcycle convoys of terrorist elements converging in forested areas. The convoys were engaged, leading to the neutralisation of several fighters, destruction of multiple motorcycles, and elimination of assorted weapons. Post-strike assessments and corroborated local feedback confirmed the effectiveness of these operations.

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF spokesperson, emphasized that the coordinated missions demonstrate the Air Force’s overwhelming airpower presence, rapid strike capability, and unwavering resolve to systematically dismantle terrorist networks across multiple theatres. He assured Nigerians that the Air Force remains professional and fully focused on achieving national security objectives.

In a related development, NAF announced the recovery of one of its unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) that went missing on January 2 during a routine mission in Operation FASAN YAMMA Sector 3. Communication with the UAV was lost, prompting emergency return-to-base procedures and coordinated recovery efforts with sister services.

The platform has since been secured, with technical teams conducting preliminary evaluations. Importantly, no lives were lost, and operational activities continue uninterrupted.

These latest operations highlight NAF’s intensified counter-insurgency campaign, combining intelligence-driven surveillance with precision strikes to degrade terrorist capabilities in Nigeria’s most volatile regions.