The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), operating under the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, has significantly escalated its aerial offensive in the North-East region. A series of precision strikes were carried out targeting insurgent positions in Sambisa Forest and the Tumbuns area.
Coordinated Attacks Based on Credible Intelligence
Acting on what it described as credible intelligence, NAF air assets conducted coordinated attacks on identified terrorist enclaves. According to a statement signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF destroyed hideouts, disrupted logistics bases, and neutralised several fighters in sustained operations.
Air Interdiction Mission in Alafa
On 30 April 2026, NAF aircraft carried out an Air Interdiction mission in Alafa, within the Sambisa axis. The operation reportedly targeted confirmed terrorist facilities and supply points, which were successfully engaged and destroyed during multiple strike runs.
Major Strike on Metele in Tumbuns
The offensive continued on Friday, 1 May, with another major strike on insurgent positions in Metele, located in the Tumbuns. Surveillance had revealed a heavily fortified island base, complete with defensive trenches, storage structures, and a concentration of fighters. Military sources indicated that the location was subjected to precise and sustained bombardment, leading to the destruction of the stronghold and significant losses among the insurgents.
NAF Reaffirms Resolve to Sustain Pressure
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, commended the efforts of personnel involved in the operations, highlighting their professionalism and effectiveness. He stated that the Air Force remains committed to maintaining pressure on terrorist groups, ensuring they are denied the ability to regroup or sustain operations. NAF noted that “operations will persist with increased intensity until all terrorist capabilities are dismantled and threats to national security fully neutralised.”
Previous Success Against ISWAP
In a related development, Nigerian troops under Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled a coordinated attack by ISWAP terrorists on Kukareta community in Borno state, neutralising a top commander and several fighters. The insurgents launched the assault shortly after midnight but were met with a swift counter-offensive by troops of Sector 2 that lasted until about 3:00 a.m. Theatre Commander, North East Operation Hadin Kai, Major-General Abdulsalam Abubakar, confirmed that the operation led to the death of ISWAP commander Abu Umar Bundi Munzir alongside other fighters.
