Nigerian Air Force airstrikes North-East intensify as NAF targets terrorist strongholds in Adamawa and Borno, neutralising insurgents

Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its counterterrorism campaign in the North-East, carrying out coordinated Nigerian Air Force airstrikes North-East operations on suspected terrorist hideouts in Adamawa and Borno States on 19 May 2026.

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The operations, conducted under the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, targeted Bukar Meram in the Southern Tumbuns and Chikide in the Mandara Mountains, both identified as insurgent strongholds.

According to the Air Force, the strikes were based on credible intelligence supported by Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions that confirmed the presence of terrorist logistics hubs, structures and assembly areas concealed within the affected locations.

In a statement issued by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, the service confirmed that several terrorists were neutralised during the coordinated assault, while planned attacks on nearby communities were disrupted.

Nigerian Air Force counterterrorism airstrikes in North-East also destroyed key logistics facilities and operational structures reportedly used by insurgents to coordinate movements and supply chains in the region.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to sustained joint operations with sister security agencies, describing the ongoing campaign as critical to restoring lasting peace in the region.

He stressed that intelligence-driven air operations would continue to focus on terrorist hideouts, logistics networks and operational bases across the North-East until stability is fully achieved.

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The Air Force added that sustained pressure on insurgent groups would remain a key priority as part of broader efforts to secure affected communities.