The Nigerian Air Force has stepped up its campaign against terrorist organizations in Adamawa and Borno States, launching coordinated airstrikes against alleged terrorist strongholds in the Mandara Mountains in the northeast and the Southern Tumbuns.

Bukar Meram in the Southern Tumbuns and Chikide in the Mandara Mountains were the targets of the May 19, 2026, airstrikes carried out as part of Operation HADIN KAI.

The NAF claims that after reliable intelligence and confirmatory intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions found terrorist supply hubs, buildings, and assembly locations concealed within the enclaves, the operations were initiated.

The military claimed in a statement released on Wednesday by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, that planned assaults were thwarted and other terrorists were neutralized during the operation.

According to the statement, the strikes were successful in destroying the rebels' operational infrastructure and terrorist logistics facilities.

Speaking about the operation, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Chief of the Air Staff, reiterated the Nigerian Air Force's dedication to continuing cooperative military operations meant to bring about peace throughout the nation.

“The Nigerian Air Force remains committed to sustaining coordinated joint operations with sister Services and allied partners to eliminate terrorism and restore peace across the country,” he said.

Aneke stressed that intelligence-driven air operations would continue against terrorist networks and hideouts across affected regions.

“Intelligence-driven air operations will continue to identify and destroy terrorist hideouts, logistics networks and operational bases wherever they exist,” the Air Chief added.

Source