NAF destroys terrorist hideouts in Sambisa, neutralises key commanders in airstrikes

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has carried out a major air operation targeting terrorist strongholds in the Sambisa axis of Borno State, neutralising several high-value operatives in the process.

The operation, conducted under the Joint Task Force of Operation Hadin Kai, took place in the early hours of February 28, 2026, in the Yuwe general area of Sambisa.

According to a statement issued by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, the mission was intelligence-driven. Surveillance and reconnaissance missions had earlier identified structures believed to be hideouts for terrorist commanders as well as logistics warehouses supporting their operations.

NAF strike aircraft subsequently engaged the confirmed targets in a precision air interdiction mission, dismantling key infrastructure used by the insurgents.

Post-strike assessments, backed by intelligence sources, reportedly confirmed the neutralisation of senior commanders and fighters involved in coordinating attacks within the region. The air strikes are said to have significantly disrupted the group’s command-and-control structure and weakened its logistics network.

The Air Force also disclosed that it has maintained sustained surveillance over the area to monitor fleeing elements and identify additional verified targets.

Reacting to the development, the Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, commended the professionalism of the aircrew and support personnel involved in the mission. He reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to denying terrorist groups safe havens across the country.

“The Nigerian Air Force will continue to project decisive air power in close synergy with ground forces until every identified terrorist enclave is dismantled,” he stated, adding that intelligence-led operations would be sustained to restore lasting peace.

The latest operation marks another step in ongoing efforts by Nigerian security forces to contain and dismantle insurgent networks in the North-East.