By Chimezie Godfrey
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has neutralised several high-value terrorist operatives and dismantled critical infrastructure in the Sambisa axis following a precision air interdiction mission conducted under the Joint Task Force of Operation Hadin Kai.
The operation, which took place in the early hours of February 28, 2026, targeted terrorist enclaves in the Yuwe general area of the Sambisa forest after confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions identified structures being used as commanders’ hideouts and logistics warehouses.
According to a statement issued on March 2 by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the intelligence-driven strike was carefully executed with precision and overwhelming force, leading to the successful engagement of validated targets.
The statement explained that NAF strike elements accurately acquired and struck the identified structures, effectively dismantling critical terrorist infrastructure in the area.
Post-strike assessments, corroborated by credible intelligence sources, confirmed that several senior commanders and fighters actively coordinating hostile operations within the theatre were neutralised during the raid. The development is believed to have significantly disrupted the terrorists’ command-and-control architecture and degraded their logistics network.
Military sources noted that the operation has further constrained the operational capabilities of insurgent elements in the region, particularly within the Sambisa axis, long regarded as a strategic stronghold for terrorist activities.
The statement further disclosed that the Air Force has sustained its Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance presence over the area to identify and engage additional verified targets. This sustained aerial monitoring is aimed at maintaining relentless pressure on fleeing and regrouping terrorist elements.
Commenting on the operation, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, commended the professionalism and combat efficiency of the aircrew and supporting personnel involved in the mission.
He reaffirmed the Force’s unwavering commitment to denying terrorists any form of sanctuary within 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,” Aneke said.
“We remain committed to sustaining aggressive, intelligence-led operations that protect our nation and restore enduring peace.”
Security analysts believe the latest operation underscores the increasing reliance on intelligence-led and precision-driven air power in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign in the North-East theatre.
Operation Hadin Kai, the military task force coordinating counter-terrorism efforts in the region, has in recent months intensified joint air and ground offensives aimed at dislodging insurgent elements from remaining enclaves.
The NAF maintained that it would continue to work in close synergy with sister services and other security agencies to ensure that terrorist networks are systematically dismantled and national security objectives achieved.
The latest strike adds to a series of coordinated military offensives designed to degrade the capacity of terrorist groups operating within the Sambisa forest and adjoining areas, as part of broader efforts to restore stability to affected communities.
Observers say sustained air dominance combined with ground troop advances could further weaken insurgent strongholds and limit their ability to launch coordinated attacks across the region.