Several terrorists have been killed after the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) carried out air strikes in the Yuwe axis of the Sambisa Forest in the north-east.
The Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the operation followed “sustained intense pressure on terrorist elements”.
In a statement on Tuesday, Ejodame noted that the strikes led to “eliminating several fighters concealed within the Yuwe axis of the Sambisa Forest”.
“The operation followed credible intelligence corroborated by Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), which confirmed the presence of active terrorist elements within fortified structures and bunkers.
“NAF air assets engaged the targets with precision munitions, destroying the structures, neutralising multiple terrorists, and eliminating key logistics facilities, as confirmed by subsequent battle damage assessment.
“The sustained tempo of air operations continues to degrade terrorist networks, leaving the terrorists increasingly exposed and disrupted, with mounting pressure forcing them into desperate and reactive actions,” the statement read in part.
Following the operation, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, praised the force for its efforts and assured continued action against insurgents.
He said “the Nigerian Air Force will sustain relentless, intelligence-driven air operations until terrorist elements are completely neutralised.”
“We remain committed to the protection of our personnel, the security of our nation, and the safety of all citizens.”
The NAF also reaffirmed its commitment to “adhering strictly to rules of engagement and minimising civilian harm”.
The operation comes months after similar coordinated strikes in parts of Borno state where over 40 terrorists were killed.
Ejodame added that post-strike assessments showed no further threats, with feedback from troops and local sources indicating a significant reduction in terrorist activity and a return to relative calm in affected areas.
He explained that earlier operations targeted terrorists assembling in canoes for planned attacks, with air assets engaging them successfully and disrupting their activities.
The air strikes were conducted by aircraft operating under the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai.