NAF Airstrikes shatter major terrorist base deep inside Sambisa Forest

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has carried out a major air operation on Arra, a well-known terrorist enclave inside the Sambisa Forest, delivering what officials described as a “decisive blow” to insurgent activities in the area.

The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed the operation in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, noting that the strikes followed a direct order from the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke.

According to Ejodame, the offensive was triggered by intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions that traced the movement of fighters involved in the 17 October ambush at Kashomri.

Continuous ISR flights over the Kashomri–Sambisa axis later detected suspicious activity at Arra, including visible terrorist structures and clusters of movement consistent with hostile intent.

He said NAF aircraft engaged the location in multiple, well-coordinated attack runs, hitting all designated targets and inflicting significant damage on the terrorists’ operational capacity.

The strikes, he added, disrupted their command channels, logistics hubs, and assembly points.

“The operation underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s resolve to safeguard the nation, degrade terrorist networks, and provide close support to ground forces across all theatres,” Ejodame stated.

He reiterated that the Air Force remains committed to neutralising threats, securing Nigeria’s territorial integrity, and contributing to long-term peace across the country.