…Denies terrorists safe havens, destroys explosive stockpiles, weapons
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its air interdiction campaign, targeting terrorist hideouts and logistics across the North-East and North-West, successfully disrupting their operations and denying them safe havens.
This was contained in a statement signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, on 3 January 2026.
The statement reads partly:
“The Nigerian Air Force has sustained an unrelenting air interdiction campaign against terrorist elements through a series of coordinated, intelligence-led operations conducted between 1 and 2 January 2026 across critical threat corridors in the North-East and North-West through the joint task forces of Operations HADIN KAI and FASAN YAMMA SECTOR 2.
“Acting on actionable intelligence on terrorist intent, movement, and logistics, NAF air assets were decisively employed to strike identified hideouts, movement routes, and assembly areas. These operations reinforce the Service’s resolve to deny terrorists freedom of movement, operational depth, and any form of sanctuary within Nigeria’s sovereign territory.”
“In the North-East theatre, successive precision strikes were delivered against deeply concealed terrorist enclaves at Abirma and Chiralia within the Timbuktu Triangle, following persistent surveillance that confirmed active facilities linked to improvised explosive device production and attack planning.
“The strikes resulted in the complete destruction of targeted structures, with multiple secondary explosions observed, clear indicators of the elimination of explosive stockpiles and critical logistics.
“Follow-on interdiction operations at Guva in the Mandara Mountains further dismantled terrorist storage and coordination nodes, severely degrading their ability to regroup, resupply, or mount attacks during the festive period and beyond.
“The campaign was simultaneously extended into the North-West with a decisive air interdiction mission around Karaduwa Giginya Na in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
“Terrorist elements movement activities were tracked while moving in large motorcycle convoys and engaged at a forested convergence point. Post-strike assessments and corroborated local feedback confirmed the neutralisation of several terrorists, the destruction of multiple motorcycles, and the elimination of assorted weapons.”
The NAF operations were carried out with precision and intelligence coordination, reflecting the Service’s commitment to denying terrorists operational freedom.
The strikes in Abirma, Chiralia, and Guva destroyed critical logistics and facilities, while missions in Karaduwa Giginya Na neutralised mobile terrorist convoys and seized weapons and motorcycles.
The Nigerian Air Force assured the public that these operations would continue with professionalism, precision, and persistence. Terrorists threatening innocent lives will face decisive force, with air support complementing ground operations to secure peace and stability across all affected regions.
The statement emphasised that the NAF remains fully committed to protecting civilians, supporting national security objectives, and restoring lasting peace across Nigeria’s North-East and North-West.