Airstrikes in Niger State neutralised terrorists and disrupted planned attacks across Rafi and Mariga communities.
- +NAF Airstrikes Crush Terrorists, Foil Planned Attacks In Niger Communities
The Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma Sector 1 has dealt significant blows to terrorist elements, successfully foiling planned attacks through a series of intelligence-led air operations conducted between May 20 and 23, 2026, across Rafi and Mariga Local Government Areas of Niger State.
The Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma Sector 1 has dealt significant blows to terrorist elements, successfully foiling planned attacks through a series of intelligence-led air operations conducted between May 20 and 23, 2026, across Rafi and Mariga Local Government Areas of Niger State.
In a statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the coordinated operations targeted terrorist movements, hideouts and planned attacks across several communities within the affected areas.
According to him, the first operation was carried out on May 20 after credible intelligence revealed the movement and convergence of terrorists around Tungan Bako and Kasuwan Daji in Rafi LGA.
He explained that the Air Component, working in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Space Command Regiment, launched precision air interdiction strikes that neutralised several terrorists and disrupted their operational build-up in the area.
Ejodame further disclosed that on May 21, terrorists travelling on motorcycles and on foot with rustled cattle from Tungunguna towards Uregi were identified and engaged by air assets.
The operation, he said, resulted in the neutralisation of the terrorists and the destruction of their movement and withdrawal capability.
He added that the Air Component also provided close air support to troops in contact with terrorists at Tungan Makeri, restoring operational advantage to friendly forces.
The statement noted that the offensive operations continued on May 23 with armed reconnaissance missions over Dogon Dawa and surrounding locations in Mariga LGA following reports of planned terrorist attacks on troop positions.
During the mission, terrorist elements attempting tactical movement within the area were detected and engaged with precision strikes.
The Nigerian Air Force said the operation led to the successful neutralisation of a significant number of terrorists and effectively disrupted the planned attacks.
Post-strike assessments confirmed the effectiveness of the missions in degrading terrorist capabilities and denying freedom of action within the area.
Reaffirming the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to national security, Ejodame said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, commended the professionalism and precision displayed by personnel involved in the operations.
He also assured Nigerians that the NAF would continue to sustain intelligence-driven air operations aimed at neutralising terrorist threats, protecting lives and restoring lasting peace across troubled regions.
