By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has neutralised several high-value operatives and destroyed key infrastructure of terrorist in the North-East, in precision air strikes conducted in Sambisa Forest.

The Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Ejodame said the operation, carried out under the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, targeted terrorist elements in the Yuwe general area of the Sambisa axis on Feb. 28.

He said the early morning Air Interdiction mission was intelligence-driven, following confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) that identified structures used as terrorist commanders’ hideouts and logistics warehouses.

According to him, strike aircraft accurately acquired and engaged the validated targets, delivering precision munitions that effectively dismantled critical terrorist infrastructure.

“Post-strike battle damage assessments, supported by credible intelligence, confirmed the neutralisation of several senior terrorist commanders and fighters actively coordinating hostile activities within the theatre.

“The air strikes were also said to have significantly disrupted the terrorists’ command-and-control network while degrading their logistics capability, thereby constraining their operational effectiveness in the region,” he said.

Ejodame added that it had sustained ISR coverage over the area to track fleeing elements and identify additional verified targets for possible engagement.

He quoted the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, as commending the professionalism and combat efficiency of the aircrew and supporting personnel.

Aneke reiterated the Air Force’s determination to deny terrorists safe haven anywhere in the country.

“The Nigerian Air Force will continue to project decisive air power in close synergy with ground forces until every identified terrorist enclave is dismantled,” he said.

The CAS reaffirmed the service’s commitment to sustaining aggressive, intelligence-led operations aimed at protecting the nation and restoring lasting peace in affected areas. (NAN)

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