The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its counterterrorism operations in the North-East with fresh precision air strikes targeting terrorist hideouts in the Southern Tumbuns and Mandara Mountains.
The strikes were carried out on May 19, 2026, under the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI and targeted identified terrorist enclaves at Bukar Meram and Chikide.
According to the NAF, the operation followed credible intelligence reports and confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions which revealed terrorist activities within the locations.
The Air Force said the strikes led to the destruction of terrorist logistics hubs, structures and assembly points concealed in the affected areas.
Several fighters were reportedly neutralised during the operation, while planned attacks were disrupted.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said the Air Force remains committed to sustained intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with other security agencies and allied partners.
He stated that ongoing air offensives would continue to target terrorist hideouts, logistics networks and operational bases across the country as part of efforts to restore peace and security.
The latest operation forms part of broader military efforts aimed at degrading insurgent capabilities and improving stability across the North-East region.
