NAF Airstrikes Decimate ISWAP Stronghold in Northern Tumbuns
Oru Leonard
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), under the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, has delivered a decisive blow to terrorist elements in Kangarwa, a settlement within the Northern Tumbuns, following a precision air interdiction mission carried out on April 1, 2026.
According to a statement issued on April 3, 2026, by the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the operation was launched at about 12:05 p.m. based on credible intelligence, further corroborated by earlier Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. These had confirmed the presence of a large concentration of insurgents and sustained hostile activity within the enclave.
NAF air assets, upon positive identification of targets, executed multiple strike passes, engaging terrorist positions with precision-guided munitions. The bombardment destroyed key infrastructure, including logistics hubs and fortified structures, while neutralising scores of fighters within the area.
Military sources noted that the strike significantly degraded the operational capacity of the enclave, disrupting terrorist movements and weakening their command and support systems. The impact of the air assault is expected to create favourable conditions for ground troops to advance, consolidate gains, and carry out follow-up clearance operations.
The mission is believed to have inflicted heavy casualties on fighters linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), further undermining their presence in the region.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, commended the troops for sustaining operational momentum, reaffirming the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to intelligence-driven, precision strikes in collaboration with ground forces. He emphasized that ongoing efforts would continue until all terrorist strongholds are dismantled and lasting peace is restored across the theatre of operations.
The latest success underscores the growing synergy between air and ground forces under Operation HADIN KAI, as the military intensifies its campaign to eliminate insurgent threats in the North East.
