NAF Intensifies Air Interdiction, Cripples Terrorist Networks in NorthEast, North-West
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has sustained a series of relentless air interdiction campaigns against terrorist elements across key threat corridors in the North-East and North-West.
NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed on Saturday, that the resulting effect of the series of coordinated intelligence-led operations conducted between 1 and 2 January 2026 under the joint task forces of Operations HADIN KAI and FASAN YAMMA Sector 2, is the crippling of terrorist operational capacity.
He said that NAF air assets were deployed to strike identified hideouts, transit routes and assembly areas based on credible intelligence regarding terrorist intentions, movements and logistics, adding that the targeted operations underscored the Service’s determination to deny terrorists freedom of movement and safe havens within Nigeria.
In the North-East theatre, precision strikes were carried out against well-concealed terrorist enclaves at Abirma and Chiralia within the Timbuktu Triangle, where persistent surveillance had confirmed the presence of active facilities linked to improvised explosive device production and attack planning.
The strikes led to the complete destruction of the targets, with multiple secondary explosions observed, indicating the neutralisation of explosive stockpiles and critical logistics.
“Follow-on interdiction missions at Guva in the Mandara Mountains further dismantled terrorist storage and coordination nodes, significantly impairing their ability to regroup, resupply or launch attacks”, he stated.
Simultaneously, the air campaign was extended to the North-West, where NAF aircraft conducted a decisive interdiction mission around Karaduwa Giginya Na in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Terrorist elements moving in large motorcycle convoys were tracked and engaged at a forested convergence point. Post-strike assessments, supported by local feedback, confirmed the neutralisation of several terrorists, the destruction of multiple motorcycles and the elimination of assorted weapons.
“These sustained, multi-theatre operations highlight the Nigerian Air Force’s robust airpower presence, rapid strike capability and unwavering resolve to systematically dismantle terrorist networks”, Ejodamen said.
He conveyed NAF’s assurances to citizens that air interdiction operations will continue with precision, persistence and professionalism in close support of joint forces on the ground, as part of ongoing efforts to protect civilians, advance national security objectives and restore lasting peace and stability across all theatres of operation.
