NAF Intensifies Offensive, Neutralises Terrorists in Rafi, Mariga

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

Several terrorists have been neutralised and planned attacks disrupted following a series of precision air strikes conducted by the Nigerian Air Force under Operation Fansan Yamma Sector 1 in parts of Niger State.

According to a statement signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, the operations were carried out between 20 and 23 May 2026 across Rafi and Mariga Local Government Areas based on credible intelligence.

The statement said the Air Component, working in conjunction with the Nigerian Army Space Command Regiment, carried out precision air interdiction strikes on terrorist hideouts around Tungan Bako and Kasuwan Daji in Rafi LGA on 20 May, successfully neutralising several terroristsand disrupting their operational build-up.

It added that on 21 May, terrorists moving on motorcycles and on foot with rustled cattle from Tungunguna towards Uregi were identified and engaged, leading to their neutralisation and the destruction of their mobility and withdrawal capability.

The Air Component also provided close air support to troops engaged in combat with terrorists at Tungan Makeri, restoring operational advantage to friendly forces after successfully striking the criminal elements.

The Nigerian Air Force further disclosed that armed reconnaissance missions conducted on 23 May over Dogon Dawa and surrounding areas in Mariga LGA thwarted planned terrorist attacks on troop positions.

According to the statement, terrorists attempting tactical movement within the area were swiftlytargeted with precision strikes, resulting in the elimination of a significant number of them and disrupting the planned assaults.

Post-strike assessments confirmed that the operations effectively degraded terrorist capabilities and denied them freedom of action within the affected locations.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, commended the professionalism and precision of the personnel involved and reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to sustaining aggressive intelligence-driven air operations against terrorist threats across the country.