The Nigerian Air Force has announced a series of successful air operations against terrorist elements in parts of Niger State, leading to the neutralisation of several insurgents and the disruption of planned attacks on security formations.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the operations were carried out by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma Sector 1 between May 20 and 23, 2026, across Rafi and Mariga Local Government Areas of the state.
The statement disclosed that on May 20, following credible intelligence on the movement and gathering of terrorists around Tungan Bako and Kasuwan Daji in Rafi LGA, the air component, working alongside the Nigerian Army Space Command Regiment, launched precision air interdiction strikes on the locations.
The NAF said the strikes successfully neutralised several terrorists and disrupted their operational build-up in the area.
It added that on May 21, armed terrorists travelling on motorcycles and on foot with rustled cattle from Tungunguna towards Uregi were identified and engaged from the air, resulting in the destruction of their movement and withdrawal capability.
The air component also provided close air support to troops battling terrorists at Tungan Makeri on the same day, helping friendly forces regain operational advantage after successful engagements with the attackers.
In continuation of the offensive, the Air Component conducted armed reconnaissance missions on May 23 over Dogon Dawa and nearby communities in Mariga LGA after receiving intelligence reports of planned terrorist attacks on troop positions.
According to the statement, terrorists attempting tactical movement within the area were swiftly tracked and hit with precision strikes, leading to the elimination of a significant number of the fighters and frustrating the planned assaults.
Post-strike assessments, the NAF said, confirmed the effectiveness of the operations in degrading terrorist capabilities and restricting their freedom of movement within the affected areas.
Reacting to the development, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, commended the professionalism and precision displayed by personnel involved in the missions.
He assured Nigerians that the Nigerian Air Force would continue to sustain aggressive intelligence-driven air operations in collaboration with other security agencies to neutralise terrorist threats, safeguard lives and restore peace across troubled regions of the country.
