Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has eliminated scores of terrorists and destroyed a major terrorist hideout during a precision air operation in the Lake Chad region.
The operation was carried out by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai in the early hours of June 10, 2026, targeting terrorist positions in METELE, located in the Northern Tumbuns area of the Lake Chad Basin.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, described the mission as another significant success in the military’s ongoing campaign against terrorism.
According to him, the air strikes were launched after credible intelligence reports and follow-up Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions confirmed the presence of a senior terrorist commander, active hideouts and increased terrorist activities in the area.
Ejodame said NAF aircraft moved in after the intelligence was verified and engaged the targets with precision.
“Acting on the intelligence, NAF air assets engaged the identified targets with precision. Upon arrival, aircrew observed significant terrorist movement around the concealed structures, confirming the presence of hostile elements. Following positive target identification, the aircraft executed devastating strikes on the designated locations,” the statement read in part.
He added that a post-strike assessment showed that the terrorist enclave was destroyed and many terrorists were neutralised.
“Post-strike Battle Damage Assessment confirmed the destruction of the terrorist enclave and the neutralisation of scores of terrorists,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, praised the personnel who participated in the operation and reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to maintaining pressure on terrorist groups across the country.
“We will continue to leverage our air power capabilities to locate, strike, and destroy terrorist targets wherever they are found,” Aneke was quoted as saying.
“The Nigerian Air Force remains resolute in denying terrorists freedom of action and ensuring they have no safe haven within our sovereign territory.”
The latest operation is part of ongoing military efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore security in the Lake Chad Basin and other troubled regions across the country.
