NAF Strikes Sambisa Terrorist Hideouts, Neutralizes Senior Criminal Elements
Oru Leonard
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has carried out precision air strikes on terrorist strongholds in the Sambisa axis, neutralizing several high-value operatives and dismantling key logistics infrastructure.
The operation, conducted under the Joint Task Force of Operation Hadin Kai, targeted insurgent elements in the Yuwe general area of Sambisa in the early hours of February 28, 2026. According to NAF authorities, the mission was intelligence-driven and followed confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) that identified structures being used as commanders’ hideouts and logistics warehouses.
Air strike elements reportedly engaged the validated targets with precision, destroying critical infrastructure believed to be central to the terrorists’ operations. Post-strike assessments, backed by intelligence sources, confirmed the neutralization of several senior commanders and fighters said to be actively coordinating hostile activities within the theatre.
Military officials said the strikes significantly disrupted the group’s command-and-control systems and degraded its logistics network, further limiting its operational capabilities in the region. The Air Force has maintained sustained ISR coverage over the area to monitor movements and engage additional verified targets, keeping pressure on fleeing and regrouping elements.
Commenting on the development, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, commended the professionalism and combat efficiency of the aircrew and supporting personnel involved in the mission.
“The Nigerian Air Force will continue to project decisive air power in close synergy with ground forces until every identified terrorist enclave is dismantled. We remain committed to sustaining aggressive, intelligence-led operations that protect our nation and restore enduring peace,” he said.
The latest operation underscores ongoing military efforts to degrade insurgent capabilities in the North-East and reinforce security across affected communities.
