The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says precision airstrikes conducted by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma Sector 1 have neutralised several terrorists and foiled planned attacks in parts of Niger State.
The intelligence-led operations, carried out between May 20 and 23, 2026, targeted terrorist hideouts and movement routes in Rafi and Mariga Local Government Areas.
According to the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, in a statement on Monday, the first operation was executed around Tungan Bako and Kasuwan Daji in Rafi LGA following credible intelligence on terrorist gatherings in the area.
The Air Component, working alongside the Nigerian Army Space Command Regiment, carried out precision air interdiction strikes that neutralised several terrorists and disrupted their operational build-up.
On May 21, air assets also engaged terrorists moving on motorcycles and on foot with rustled cattle from Tungunguna towards Uregi, destroying their mobility and withdrawal capability.
The Air Component further provided close air support to troops in contact with terrorists at Tungan Makeri, successfully suppressing the attackers and restoring operational advantage to ground forces.
In continuation of the offensive, armed reconnaissance missions conducted on May 23 over Dogon Dawa and nearby communities in Mariga LGA uncovered fresh terrorist movements linked to planned attacks on troop positions.
“Terrorist elements observed attempting tactical movement within the area were swiftly acquired and engaged with precision strikes,” the statement noted.
Post-strike assessments confirmed that the operations significantly degraded terrorist capabilities and denied them freedom of action within the affected areas.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, commended the professionalism of the personnel involved and reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to sustaining aggressive, intelligence-driven operations against terrorist groups across the country.
