The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), through the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has intensified its air offensives against terrorist elements in the North-East region. Precision airstrikes were conducted on 19 May 2026 at Bukar Meram in the Southern Tumbuns and Chikide in the Mandara Mountains, targeting terrorist strongholds.
Intelligence-Led Operations
Following credible intelligence and confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, NAF air assets successfully destroyed terrorist logistics hubs, structures, and assembly areas concealed within these enclaves. The strikes also neutralized several terrorists and disrupted planned attacks against civilians and security forces.
Commendation from Chief of Air Staff
NAF’s spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, in a statement quoted the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, as reaffirming the Service’s commitment to sustaining coordinated joint operations with sister services and allied partners. Aneke emphasized that intelligence-driven air operations would continue to identify and destroy terrorist hideouts, logistics networks, and operational bases wherever they exist, until peace is fully restored across the country.
Joint Operations Yield Results
On Tuesday, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed that the Nigeria-US joint operations, which began on May 17, 2026, have eliminated 175 Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters in the North East. The operations resulted in the elimination of several senior ISIS leaders, including Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, one of the most significant ISIS operatives globally. Al-Minuki played a central role in ISIS external operations, coordinating terrorist financing, recruitment, logistics, and attack planning targeting Nigerians and innocent civilians worldwide.
Other terrorist figures eliminated include Abd-al Wahhab, an ISWAP senior leader responsible for coordinating attacks and distributing propaganda; Abu Musa al-Mangawi, an ISWAP senior member; and Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir, an ISWAP senior media production team manager and close confidant to al-Minuki.
