NAF neutralises senior terrorists in Sambisa air strikes

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has neutralised several high-value terrorist operatives and destroyed key infrastructure during precision air strikes in Sambisa Forest, North-East Nigeria.

The Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement issued Monday in Abuja.

According to him, the operation was conducted under the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, targeting terrorist elements in the Yuwe general area of the Sambisa axis on February 28.

Ejodame explained that the early morning air interdiction mission was intelligence-driven, following confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) that identified structures used as terrorist commanders’ hideouts and logistics warehouses.

He said strike aircraft accurately acquired and engaged the validated targets with precision munitions, effectively dismantling critical terrorist infrastructure.

Post-strike battle damage assessments, supported by credible intelligence, reportedly confirmed the neutralisation of several senior terrorist commanders and fighters coordinating hostile activities in the theatre.

The air strikes also significantly disrupted the terrorists’ command-and-control network and degraded their logistics capabilities, constraining their operational effectiveness in the region.

Ejodame added that sustained ISR coverage is ongoing to track fleeing elements and identify additional verified targets for possible engagement.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, commended the professionalism and combat efficiency of the aircrew and supporting personnel.

Aneke reaffirmed the Air Force’s determination to deny terrorists safe haven anywhere in the country.

“The Nigerian Air Force will continue to project decisive air power in close synergy with ground forces until every identified terrorist enclave is dismantled,” he said.

He further reiterated the service’s commitment to sustaining aggressive, intelligence-led operations aimed at protecting the nation and restoring lasting peace in affected areas.