NAF Bombs Terrorist Enclaves, Kills Commanders

Scores of terrorists, including several commanders, have been neutralised by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) during airstrikes on terrorist hideouts in the Northern Tumbuns area of the Lake Chad Basin.

The operation, carried out by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, targeted terrorist enclaves in Metele, a known insurgent stronghold in Borno State.

Daily Trust gathered that the terrorists had repeatedly launched ambushes against troops of Operation Hadin Kai operating in the region before the latest air offensive.

Last week, terrorists reportedly ambushed military personnel in Borno State, killing several soldiers and beheading some of the victims.

Confirming the operation on Thursday in Abuja, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the strikes were conducted in the early hours of Wednesday, June 10, 2026.

According to him, the operation followed credible intelligence and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, which confirmed the presence of a senior terrorist commander, terrorist hideouts and increased insurgent activity within the area.

“Acting on the intelligence, NAF air assets engaged the identified targets with precision. Upon arrival, aircrew observed significant terrorist movement around the concealed structures, confirming the presence of hostile elements,” he said.

“Following positive target identification, the aircraft executed devastating strikes on the designated locations. Post-strike Battle Damage Assessment confirmed the destruction of the terrorist enclave and the neutralisation of scores of terrorists.”

Ejodame said the Chief of the Air Staff, Hasan Bala Abubakar, commended personnel involved in the operation and reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorist groups across the country.

“We will continue to leverage our air power capabilities to locate, strike and destroy terrorist targets wherever they are found.

“The Nigerian Air Force remains resolute in denying terrorists freedom of action and ensuring they have no safe haven within our sovereign territory,” the air chief was quoted as saying. (Daily trust)