By Chimezie Godfrey
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has conducted a series of airstrikes targeting terrorist enclaves in Sambisa Forest and the Tumbuns area of Borno State, resulting in the neutralisation of several insurgents and destruction of key infrastructure.
The operations were carried out under the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI as part of ongoing counterinsurgency efforts in the North-East.
In a statement signed by Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, the NAF said the strikes were based on credible intelligence and focused on identified terrorist locations.
According to the statement, on April 30, 2026, NAF aircraft conducted an Air Interdiction mission at Alafa in the Sambisa axis, where terrorist facilities and logistics nodes were targeted and destroyed.
The NAF said the operation was followed by another strike on May 1 at Metele in the Tumbuns, where intelligence reports indicated the presence of a fortified insurgent stronghold.
“Surveillance missions revealed fighters, storage facilities and defensive positions within the area. The targets were engaged with precision strikes,” the statement said.
The Air Force added that the operations were part of efforts to sustain pressure on terrorist groups and limit their operational capabilities.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, commended personnel involved in the operations and reiterated the commitment of the Service to ongoing counterinsurgency efforts.
He said the NAF would continue to support joint operations aimed at restoring peace and security in the region.
The North-East has witnessed sustained military operations in recent months, with the armed forces intensifying both air and ground campaigns against insurgent groups operating in the region.
NAF Airstrikes Hit Sambisa, Tumbuns Targets, Neutralise Terrorists
