NAF airstrikes kill top commanders, destroy terrorist bases in Sambisa

NAF airstrikes have killed top terrorist commanders and destroyed key operational bases in the Sambisa axis of Borno State, following a precision, intelligence-led mission conducted under Operation Hadin Kai.

The operation, conducted in the early hours of February 28, 2026, targeted terrorist elements in the Yuwe general area following confirmed Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) reports.

According to the NAF, the surveillance identified structures used as hideouts for senior commanders as well as logistics warehouses supporting insurgent activities within the theatre of operations.

Acting on the intelligence, NAF strike aircraft executed an Air Interdiction mission, engaging the validated targets with what it described as “precision and overwhelming force.”

The strikes reportedly destroyed critical infrastructure used by the terrorists to coordinate attacks and sustain operations in the region.

Military authorities said post-strike assessments, backed by credible intelligence sources, confirmed the elimination of several senior commanders and fighters actively coordinating hostile activities.

The air offensive is believed to have significantly disrupted the terrorists’ command-and-control structures and degraded their supply chains, further limiting their operational capabilities in the North-East.

A statement by the Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, indicated that surveillance flights have been sustained over the Sambisa axis to track fleeing fighters and identify additional verified targets, as part of efforts to maintain pressure on regrouping elements.

Sunday  Aneke, Chief of the Air Staff,  commended the professionalism and combat efficiency of the aircrew and support teams involved in the mission.

He reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations in coordination with ground forces.

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

“We remain committed to sustaining aggressive, intelligence-driven operations that protect our nation and restore enduring peace,” he said.