The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), through the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, has sustained intense pressure on terrorist elements in the North-East, with a precision air strike on 19 April 2026 eliminating several fighters concealed within the Yuwe axis of the Sambisa forest.

The operation followed credible intelligence corroborated by Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), which confirmed the presence of active terrorist elements within fortified structures and bunkers.

NAF’s Director of Public Relations, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said that air assets engaged the targets with precision munitions, destroying the structures, neutralising multiple terrorists, and eliminating key logistics facilities as confirmed by subsequent Battle Damage Assessment.

He said the sustained tempo of air operations continues to degrade terrorist networks, leaving the terrorists increasingly exposed and disrupted, with mounting pressure forcing them into desperate and reactive actions.

Reaffirming the Service’s resolve, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, stated “the Nigerian Air Force will sustain relentless, intelligence-driven air operations until terrorist elements are completely neutralised. We remain committed to the protection of our personnel, the security of our nation, and the safety of all citizens.”

Aneke said NAF will continue to intensify precision engagements across the theatre, maintaining decisive operational pressure while adhering strictly to rules of engagement and minimising civilian harm.

Meanwhile, troops of 12 Brigade, Lokoja, have arrested four suspected terrorists arms suppliers, recovering large cache of ammunition and disrupting their supply route in Kogi State.

The Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, said one of the suspects – Mathew Elisha, alias Nasara, a high-profile terrorist ammunition courier, had been on security watch list.

Abdullahi said that on April 20, 2026, troops intercepted a Toyota bus on Obajana-Kabba road and arrested two terrorists’ logistics couriers identified as Mallam Zubairu Abubakar and Adamu Abubakar Abdullahi.

“Search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of a sack containing 314 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, and three AK-47 rifle magazines concealed behind the driver’s seat, two mobile phones, one driver’s licence, one National Identification Number slip, and an identity card.”

He said the fourth courier suspect was nabbed along Jamata–Owara Road in Lokoja Local Government Area on 29 March 2026, riding a motorcycle.

According to him, intensive search on the motorcycle revealed it had been specially modified with a concealed compartment for the covert conveyance of ammunition, in addition to other items. Preliminary findings further established links between the suspect and known terrorist elements, leading to follow-on operations.