The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its air operations across the North West, conducting a series of precision air interdiction missions that neutralised scores of terrorists, disrupted their logistics and foiled planned attacks on troops in Kaduna and Niger states.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this during the combined Defence Headquarters Monthly and Second Quarter Media Briefing on ongoing military operations across the various theatres of operation.
According to him, the briefing was convened to provide timely, accurate and factual updates on military operations while reaffirming the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to transparency, accountability and professional responsibility.
Maj. Gen. Onoja said the Air Component demonstrated remarkable operational flexibility and rapid-response capability through a series of successful missions in support of ground forces.
He revealed that on 12 June 2026, following a technical fault on the Abuja-Kaduna train service, Nigerian Air Force assets immediately provided sustained aerial surveillance and security cover along the Kaduna-Abuja Main Supply Route, the adjoining railway corridor, and the Rijana and Katari general areas. The mission was later extended to include security patrols around the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna to ensure public safety and deter potential threats.
The Defence Media Operations spokesman further disclosed that on 19 June 2026, airpower assets operating over the Kidandan area of Yadi Forest in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State tracked terrorists riding motorcycles to their forest hideout before carrying out a precision strike that eliminated the insurgents and destroyed their logistics stores.
He added that another successful operation was conducted on 22 June 2026 in the same Kidandan axis, where four terrorists travelling on motorcycles were tracked to their hideout and neutralised.
According to him, residents of Giwa and surrounding communities have acknowledged the effectiveness of the sustained air interdiction campaign, noting that the operations have significantly restricted the movement and operational freedom of terrorist and bandit groups in the area.
Maj. Gen. Onoja also disclosed that on 29 June 2026, the Air Component launched coordinated air strikes against terrorist targets in both Niger and Kaduna states.
He explained that in the Dogon Dawa axis of Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State, intelligence-driven surveillance identified an estimated 200 terrorists gathered at a convergence point. Following positive target identification, air assets conducted a precision strike that neutralised several terrorists, while wounded survivors fled towards Kurugin Maidawa.
In a separate operation on the same day, air assets intercepted and engaged three motorcycles transporting suspected terrorists in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State as they attempted to move towards the Kamuku Forest. The strike successfully foiled what intelligence indicated was a planned reprisal attack against troops operating in the area.
Maj. Gen. Onoja emphasised that all the operations were executed in strict compliance with the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s Rules of Engagement and the Law of Armed Conflict.
He reiterated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain resolute in sustaining offensive operations against terrorist and bandit groups until lasting peace and security are restored across the North West and other parts of the country.
