By Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), through the Air Component of Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has recorded another significant operational success following a devastating air interdiction mission against terrorist elements at Kangarwa in the Northern Tumbuns.
The precision strike, executed on 1 April 2026 at about 1205 hours, was carried out based on credible intelligence, further reinforced by earlier Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions which confirmed the massing of terrorists and sustained hostile activity within the enclave.
The operation reflects the NAF’s sustained offensive air campaign aimed at dismantling terrorist sanctuaries and denying insurgents freedom of action across the theatre.
A number of terrorists were observed moving around structures and concealed positions within the settlement. Following positive identification and target confirmation, NAF air assets conducted successive aggressive strike passes, delivering accurate fires on the identified locations.
The bombardment obliterated key structures, destroyed logistics hubs, and neutralised scores of fighters, leaving the enclave severely degraded and its operational utility significantly diminished. The strike has further disrupted terrorist movement and created favourable conditions for advancing ground troops to dominate the area, exploit the effects of the bombardment, and sustain coordinated clearance operations in support of the overall joint campaign.
The operation is assessed to have eliminated several ISWAP fighters with devastating impact, while the enclave’s command and support structure suffered a major setback.
The successful integration of air power with ground manoeuvre elements once again highlights the growing synergy within Operation HADIN KAI and the Nigerian military’s determination to deny terrorists any safe haven.
Commenting on the sustained momentum of ongoing operation, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reaffirmed that the Nigerian Air Force will continue to deliver precision, intelligence-driven strikes in close coordination with surface forces until every terrorist enclave is dismantled and lasting security is restored.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame is Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force (HQ NAF)
