NAF Bombards Terrorist Enclaves as DHQ Names Suicide Bombing Mastermind

NAF Bombards Terrorist Enclaves as DHQ Names Suicide Bombing Mastermind

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its intelligence-driven air interdiction operations across the North-East and North-West, neutralising terrorist elements, destroying logistics hubs and crippling operational networks linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP.

In a statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the air operations were conducted between January 1 and 2 under Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East and Operation FASAN YAMMA Sector 2 in the North-West.

Ejodame explained that the strikes followed actionable intelligence on terrorist movements, hideouts and logistics routes, with NAF aircraft engaging identified enclaves, assembly areas and transit corridors to deny the groups freedom of action.

In the North-East, precision airstrikes targeted terrorist hideouts at Abirma and Chiralia within the Timbuktu Triangle, where sustained surveillance confirmed facilities linked to IED production and attack planning. The strikes destroyed the structures, with secondary explosions indicating the elimination of explosive stockpiles.

Further interdiction missions at Guva in the Mandara Mountains dismantled additional storage and coordination points, significantly degrading the terrorists’ ability to regroup or launch attacks.

The operations were also extended to the North-West, where NAF aircraft struck terrorist elements around Karaduwa Giginya Na in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. The terrorists, tracked moving in large motorcycle convoys, were engaged at a forested convergence point, leading to the neutralisation of several fighters and destruction of motorcycles and weapons.

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Ejodame said the sustained air operations reaffirm the NAF’s commitment to supporting ground troops and dismantling terrorist networks nationwide.

Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has identified Shariff Umar as the alleged ringleader behind recent suicide bombings and attempted attacks in the North-East, including the December 24, 2025 bombing at Gamboru Market Mosque in Maiduguri, which killed five worshippers and injured 35 others.

The Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said investigations following the arrest of 14 suspects during cordon-and-search operations in Kalmari area of Maiduguri on December 31 uncovered a coordinated terror cell.

According to Uba, a suspected suicide bomber in custody, Ibrahim Muhammad, identified Shariff Umar—also known as “Yusuf”—as the recruiter, coordinator and dispatcher of suicide bombers, as well as the handler of IED logistics.

Investigations further linked Umar to the Gamboru Market mosque attack and a foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, while also revealing the involvement of his wife, Yagana Modu, and corroborating testimony from his stepdaughter.

“All suspects remain firmly in custody and are undergoing intensive, multi-layered investigations aimed at dismantling the entire network and recovering remaining explosives,” Uba said.

In a related development, troops of Operation HADIN KAI recovered a large cache of high-calibre ammunition in the Bulumkutu Railway area of Maiduguri, including 1,270 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, live rounds and power banks concealed in a drainage channel.

The recovery followed intelligence-led cordon-and-search operations conducted with Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams. Authorities said the area has been secured and drainage ongoing to ensure no additional explosives remain.

The military urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements, stressing that community cooperation remains critical to restoring lasting peace and security in the North-East.

NAF Bombards Terrorist Enclaves as DHQ Names Suicide Bombing Mastermind