By Ayomide Otitoju
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed the killing of several terrorists following precision air strikes on the Yuwe axis of the Sambisa Forest in Nigeria’s North-East region.
NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed in a statement on Tuesday that the operation was carried out after sustained pressure on terrorist elements, supported by credible intelligence and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
According to the statement, air assets targeted fortified positions and bunkers identified as active terrorist hideouts, deploying precision munitions that destroyed key structures, neutralised multiple fighters, and disrupted logistics facilities. Subsequent battle damage assessments confirmed the effectiveness of the strikes.
Ejodame noted that the sustained air campaign has continued to weaken terrorist networks, forcing them into increasingly reactive and desperate actions.
Reacting to the development, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, commended personnel involved in the operation and reaffirmed the force’s commitment to intensifying intelligence-driven air offensives until terrorist elements are fully neutralised. He also reiterated the military’s focus on safeguarding civilians while adhering strictly to established rules of engagement.
The latest strikes come months after similar coordinated operations in Azir and Musarram areas of Borno State, where over 40 terrorists were reportedly killed. NAF said post-strike assessments from ground troops, local authorities, and community sources indicated a significant reduction in terrorist activity and a return to relative calm in affected areas.
In a related operation on January 15, NAF aircraft carried out an air interdiction mission in the Musarram area of the Tumbuns, targeting suspected terrorists assembling in canoes along the Baga and Fish Dam axis. The operation disrupted their movement and neutralised several fighters.
The Air Force added that all missions were conducted under the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai.
