The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) executed precision airstrikes within the Yuwe axis of the Sambisa Forest on Monday, April 20, 2026. The operation killed several terrorists and destroyed key militant structures.
The air component of Operation HADIN KAI carried out the mission. Meanwhile the military intensified pressure on terrorist elements in the North-East.
The Director of Public Relations and Information for NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
Ejodame explained that the operation followed credible intelligence. He said the intelligence was corroborated by Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms. These platforms confirmed the presence of active terrorist elements within fortified structures and bunkers.
NAF air assets engaged the targets with precision munitions. The aircraft destroyed the structures, neutralised multiple terrorists, and eliminated key logistics facilities.
Ejodame stated, “The sustained tempo of air operations continues to degrade terrorist networks, leaving the terrorists increasingly exposed and disrupted, with mounting pressure forcing them into desperate and reactive actions.”
Following the operation, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, commended NAF for the mission.
Aneke reaffirmed the resolve to sustain relentless, intelligence driven air operations. He promised that the Nigerian Air Force would continue until terrorist elements were completely neutralised.
Aneke declared, “We remain committed to the protection of our personnel, the security of our nation, and the safety of all citizens.” He added that the NAF would continue to intensify precision engagements across the theatre while adhering strictly to rules of engagement and minimising civilian harm.
The latest operation occurred months after NAF killed over 40 terrorists in coordinated air strikes in the Azir and Musarram areas of Borno State.
Post-strike assessment confirmed no further threats. Additionally, feedback from ground troops, local authorities, and community sources indicated a significant degradation of terrorist presence and a return of relative calm.
The NAF confirmed that no civilian casualty was recorded in the operation. The military continues its sustained aerial offensives in the Sambisa axis and surrounding areas to degrade terrorist strongholds and support ground troops.
