The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully launched an airstrike on terrorist hideouts in Sambisa Forest, eliminating several insurgents and destroying vital infrastructure.
The operation, carried out on Monday, April 20, 2026, forms part of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts under Operation Hadin Kai in Nigeria’s North-East.
NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, confirmed the development, stating that the mission followed credible intelligence on terrorist movements within the forest.
He explained that fighter jets were deployed to carry out precise strikes on identified targets, resulting in the neutralisation of multiple fighters and the destruction of their logistics base.
“The Nigerian Air Force, acting on credible intelligence, conducted a successful air interdiction mission on terrorist enclaves in Sambisa Forest. Several terrorists were neutralised, and their structures destroyed,” the statement said.
The Air Force added that the operation is part of sustained military efforts to weaken insurgent groups in the region, noting that no civilian casualties were recorded.