The Nigerian Air Force ( NAF) through the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA Sector 1, has intensified its offensive against terrorists and armed bandits in the North-West with a series of precision air strikes and intelligence-driven missions aimed at degrading criminal networks and supporting ongoing ground operations.
According to the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the coordinated operations carried out on June 18 and 19, 2026, targeted identified terrorist enclaves and reinforced the military’s determination to deny criminal elements freedom of action across the theatre.
Acting on credible intelligence, NAF aircraft struck a confirmed terrorist stronghold within the Joint Operations Area, disrupting the activities of criminal elements and significantly degrading their operational capability.
In a separate intelligence-led mission around Kidandan, air assets successfully engaged and neutralised terrorists after positively identifying their movement within the area. Follow-up reconnaissance missions over Fatika and Sabuwa confirmed the absence of further terrorist activity, while aerial surveillance operations continued in support of friendly ground forces and ongoing military operations.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has consistently emphasised the importance of integrating air power with ground operations, noting that decisive air power achieves its greatest impact when closely coordinated with surface forces.
In line with this operational philosophy, the Nigerian Air Force continues to employ intelligence-driven air power in close synergy with ground troops to neutralise terrorist threats, protect civilian populations and restore lasting peace and security across the North-West.
The NAF reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the current operational momentum until terrorist and bandit networks operating within the region are decisively dismantled.
