The Nigerian Air Force has intensified its counterterrorism campaign in the North-East, carrying out precision airstrikes that destroyed terrorist strongholds in Bukar Meram in the Southern Tumbuns and Chikide in the Mandara Mountains.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the operations were conducted on May 19, 2026, by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI following credible intelligence and confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
The statement said the airstrikes targeted terrorist logistics hubs, structures and assembly points concealed within the enclaves, leading to the destruction of key facilities and the neutralisation of several insurgents.
It added that the strikes also disrupted planned attacks by terrorist elements operating within the region.
Speaking on the operations, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to sustaining coordinated joint offensives alongside other security agencies and allied partners in the fight against terrorism.
Aneke stated that intelligence-driven air operations would continue to identify and eliminate terrorist hideouts, logistics networks and operational bases across the country.
He stressed that the NAF remained resolute in supporting ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and security in troubled parts of Nigeria.
