NAF intensifies offensive, neutralizes terrorists in Adamawa and Borno

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified operations against terrorist groups in Adamawa and Borno States, conducting targeted air strikes on suspected insurgent strongholds in the Southern Tumbuns and Mandara Mountains in the North East.

The operations, carried out on May 19, 2026, targeted Bukar Meram in the Southern Tumbuns and Chikide in the Mandara Mountains as part of the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI.

The strikes were based on credible intelligence corroborated through Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, which identified terrorist logistics hubs, structures, and assembly points concealed within the rugged terrain.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed that the strikes successfully neutralized several terrorists and disrupted planned attacks. The operations also destroyed key logistics facilities and operational bases used by insurgents.

Speaking on the operation, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to sustaining joint military operations with sister services and allied partners to restore peace in the affected regions.

“The Nigerian Air Force remains committed to sustaining coordinated joint operations with sister Services and allied partners to eliminate terrorism and restore peace across the country,” Aneke said.

He added that intelligence-driven air operations will continue to identify and dismantle terrorist hideouts, logistics networks, and operational bases wherever they exist, emphasizing that ongoing surveillance and targeted strikes are central to counterinsurgency efforts in the North East.

The NAF’s offensive is part of the broader national strategy to curb insurgency, protect civilians, and restore stability in areas affected by terrorist activities across Nigeria.