NAF airstrike shatters key terrorists base in Sambisa forest

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has dealt another significant blow to terrorist elements operating in the North-East after a successful precision air operation on 19 November 2025 that destroyed a major hideout in the Sambisa general area.

According to an official statement issued by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, the strike was carried out at ARRA, a well established terrorist enclave identified through sustained intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The target was linked to hostile movements observed after the deadly 17 October ambush on ground troops at KASHOMRI.

NAF surveillance platforms maintained persistent coverage over KASHOMRI and the wider Sambisa region, eventually confirming suspicious activities and active terrorist logistics and command structures at ARRA. The findings prompted the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI to launch a deliberate and intelligence-driven air interdiction mission.

Coordinated air assets engaged the identified locations in successive precision strikes, resulting in the complete destruction of the designated targets. The operation, according to the statement, significantly degraded the terrorists’ ability to plan, coordinate, and conduct further attacks.

NAF emphasized that the success of the mission reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting ground forces and sustaining intensified pressure against terrorist groups across multiple theatres. The service reaffirmed its resolve to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity and restore lasting peace to affected regions.

The operation marks yet another milestone in the renewed counterterrorism push directed by the Chief of the Air Staff, who has consistently emphasized smarter, intelligence-led air operations to neutralize insurgent threats.