NAF Airstrikes Destroy Terrorist Stronghold, Kills Dozens in Northern Tumbuns

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), operating under the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, carried out a decisive strike against terrorist forces in the Lake Chad Basin. The precision air raid destroyed a terrorist enclave and eliminated dozens of insurgents at Metele in the Northern Tumbuns region.

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, said the operation began in the early hours of 10 June 2026. It was based on credible intelligence and confirmed by Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions that a senior terrorist commander, several hideouts and increased insurgent activity were present in the area.

“Acting on the intelligence, NAF air assets were deployed against the identified targets. Upon arrival, aircrew observed significant terrorist movement around concealed structures, further confirming the presence of hostile elements within the location,” Ejodame said.

After positive target identification, the aircraft carried out precision strikes on the designated sites. The engagement produced devastating effects on the terrorist positions, with post‑strike Battle Damage Assessment confirming the destruction of the enclave and the neutralisation of scores of terrorists.

Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), praised the personnel involved and reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to maintaining relentless pressure on terrorist elements nationwide.

He added, “We will continue to leverage our air power capabilities to locate, strike and destroy terrorist targets wherever they are found. The Nigerian Air Force remains resolute in denying terrorists freedom of action and ensuring they have no safe haven within our sovereign territory.”