Africa Terrorism Tracker

*PRESS RELEASE* *NAF SUSTAINED AIR STRIKES TRIGGER TERRORIST APPREHENSION IN BORNO STATE* The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), through the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, has sustained its aggressive counter-terrorism air campaign in Borno State, delivering decisive strikes against terrorist strongholds and logistics enclaves within the Sambisa Forest axis. Following credible Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance reports, NAF air assets on 26 May 2026 executed precision strikes on identified terrorist hideouts and support structures at Biramiri in the Gezuwa general area of Borno State. The coordinated attacks destroyed key terrorist facilities and neutralised several fighters, further crippling the operational capacity of the insurgents. The intensity and precision of the ongoing air offensives have continued to generate fear and confusion among terrorist elements across the Sambisa axis. Intelligence assessments indicate growing apprehension and disorientation within the ranks of the terrorists as sustained bombardments deny them freedom of movement and safe havens. The NAF, in concert with troops of Operation HADIN KAI and other security agencies, remains resolute in maintaining relentless pressure on terrorist networks while reinforcing its commitment to protecting innocent lives and restoring lasting peace and security across the North-East. *Ehimen Ejodame* Air Commodore Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force. 26 May 2026

NAF PRECISION AIR STRIKES NEUTRALISE TERRORISTS, DISRUPT ATTACK PLANS IN NIGER STATE The Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma Sector 1 recorded significant operational successes against terrorist elements during a series of intelligence-led kinetic operations conducted between 20 and 23 May 2026 across Rafi and Mariga Local Government Areas of Niger State. On 20 May 2026, following credible intelligence on the movement and convergence of terrorists around Tungan Bako and Kasuwan Daji in Rafi LGA, the Air Component in conjunction with the Nigerian Army Space Command Regiment executed precision air interdiction strikes which successfully neutralised several terrorists and effectively disrupted their operational build-up within the area. Similarly, on 21 May 2026, terrorists moving on motorcycles and on foot with rustled cattle from Tungunguna towards Uregi were positively identified and engaged, resulting in their neutralisation and the destruction of their movement and withdrawal capability. On same day, the Air Component also provided close air support to troops in contact with terrorists at Tungan Makeri, successfully engaging the terrorists and restoring operational advantage to friendly forces. In continuation of sustained offensive operations, the Air Component conducted armed reconnaissance missions on 23 May 2026 over Dogon Dawa and adjoining locations in Mariga LGA following reports of planned terrorist attacks on troop positions. Terrorist elements observed attempting tactical movement within the area were swiftly acquired and engaged with precision strikes, leading to the successful neutralisation of a significant number of the terrorists and the disruption of the planned attacks. Post-strike assessments confirmed the effectiveness of the missions in degrading terrorist capabilities and denying the terrorists freedom of action within the general area. Reaffirming the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering resolve to defend the nation and protect the lives of Nigerians in collaboration with other security agencies. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, commended the professionalism and precision of the personnel involved, while assuring Nigerians that the NAF will continue to sustain aggressive, intelligence-driven air operations aimed at neutralising terrorist threats, protecting innocent lives and restoring lasting peace across all troubled regions. Ehimen Ejodame Air Commodore Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force. 25 May 2026

Low-resolution satellite imagery now confirms the presence of MQ-9 UAV infrastructure at the Bauchi Air Base in Nigeria.

PRESS RELEASE NAF DECIMATES TERRORIST STRONGHOLDS IN SOUTHERN TUMBUNS, MANDARA MOUNTAINS The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), through the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, intensified ongoing air offensives against terrorist elements in the North-East with precision air strikes conducted on 19 May 2026 at Bukar Meram in the Southern Tumbuns and Chikide in the Mandara Mountains. Acting on credible intelligence and confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, NAF air assets destroyed terrorist logistics hubs, structures and assembly areas concealed within the enclaves, while also neutralising several terrorists and disrupting planned attacks. Speaking on the operations, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to sustaining coordinated joint operations with sister Services and allied partners to eliminate terrorism and restore peace across the country. The CAS stressed that intelligence-driven air operations would continue to identify and destroy terrorist hideouts, logistics networks and operational bases wherever they exist. Ehimen Ejodame Air Commodore Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force. 20 May 2026

The US Africa Command released footage from the strikes that targeted a "large presence of Islamic State fighters" in northeast Nigeria, killing several high value targets including senior leader Abu Bilal al-Mainuki.

The US Africa Command released footage from the strikes that targeted a "large presence of Islamic State fighters" in northeast Nigeria, killing several high value targets including senior leader Abu Bilal al-Mainuki.

An hour ago, Trump announced the killing of "Abu Bilal al-Minuki", who he said was hiding in Africa, as a second in global Islamic State command, in an operation conducted by US and Nigeria forces. Since early 2025, the most important assassination of an IS global operative. 🧵