Nigerian Air Force Intensifies Airstrikes on Terrorist Hideouts in North-East and North-West

By Zainab Uzomah

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has intensified air interdiction operations across the North-East and North-West, targeting terrorist hideouts, movement routes and logistics hubs in a two-day campaign conducted between 1 and 2 January.

In a statement signed by NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the service said the operations—carried out under the joint task forces of Operations Hadin Kai and Fasan Yamma—were based on intelligence indicating terrorist movements and planned attacks. The statement said the strikes were aimed at denying insurgent groups “freedom of movement, operational depth and any form of sanctuary”.

In the North-East, NAF aircraft reportedly conducted precision strikes on enclaves in Abirma and Chiralia within the Timbuktu Triangle, areas described as hosting facilities linked to improvised explosive device production and attack coordination. The Air Force said the strikes destroyed the structures and triggered multiple secondary explosions, suggesting the presence of explosive stockpiles. Additional raids were carried out at Guva in the Mandara Mountains, which the military said targeted storage and coordination hubs used by militants.

Operations were also expanded to the North-West, where airstrikes were launched around Karaduwa Giginya Na in Katsina State. According to NAF, surveillance tracked a large convoy of motorcycle-riding fighters before they were engaged at a forested rendezvous point. Post-strike assessments reportedly confirmed the neutralisation of several fighters and the destruction of weapons and motorcycles.

The Air Force said the sustained strikes highlight its rapid-response capability and commitment to supporting ground troops. It added that air operations would continue “with precision, persistence and professionalism” to protect civilians and reinforce national security efforts.