The Nigerian Air Force has sustained an aggressive air interdiction campaign against terrorist groups through a series of coordinated, intelligence-driven operations carried out between January 1 and 2, 2026, across key threat corridors in the North-East and North-West under joint task forces Operations HADIN KAI and FASAN YAMMA Sector 2.
Acting on credible intelligence relating to terrorist intentions, movements and logistics, NAF air platforms were deployed to attack identified hideouts, transit routes and gathering points. The operations were aimed at denying terrorists freedom of movement, operational depth and safe havens within Nigeria’s territory.
In a statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said that in the North-East theatre, repeated precision strikes were conducted on well-concealed terrorist camps at Abirma and Chiralia within the Timbuktu Triangle. He explained that sustained surveillance had confirmed the locations as active sites linked to the production of improvised explosive devices and attack planning.
According to him, the strikes led to the total destruction of the targeted structures, with several secondary explosions observed, indicating the elimination of explosive stockpiles and critical logistics. He added that subsequent interdiction missions at Guva in the Mandara Mountains further dismantled terrorist storage facilities and coordination points, significantly weakening their ability to regroup, resupply or launch attacks during and after the festive period.
Ejodame noted that the air campaign was simultaneously extended to the North-West, where a decisive interdiction mission was carried out around Karaduwa Giginya Na in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. He said terrorist movements were tracked as they travelled in large convoys on motorcycles before being engaged at a forest convergence point.
“Post-strike assessments and corroborated local feedback confirmed the neutralisation of several terrorists, the destruction of multiple motorcycles, and the elimination of assorted weapons. These sustained, multi-theatre strikes underscore the Nigerian Air Force’s overwhelming airpower presence, rapid strike capability, and unwavering resolve to systematically dismantle terrorist networks.”
The Nigerian Air Force further assured Nigerians that the operations would continue with precision, persistence and professionalism in support of joint forces on the ground, stressing that terrorist elements threatening innocent lives would be confronted decisively.
“The Service remains fully committed to protecting civilians, supporting national security objectives, and restoring lasting peace and stability across all theatres of operation,” the statement said.
