The operation, carried out on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, also resulted in the neutralisation of numerous insurgents, the service confirmed on Thursday.

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF, stated that the successful strikes were guided by credible intelligence and continuous surveillance of terrorist activities in the area.

“The strikes disrupted the adversary’s operational mobility and reinforced the effectiveness of intelligence-driven airpower in support of ongoing security efforts,” Ejodame said, noting that the operation significantly weakened the insurgents’ capabilities.

The air strikes are part of ongoing military operations under Operation Hadin Kai, aimed at combating insurgency and restoring stability across Nigeria’s North-East region.

The operation follows a reaffirmation by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, of the Air Force’s commitment to maintaining decisive air superiority in the theatre of operations. According to Aneke, sustained aerial dominance is critical to consolidating the gains achieved by security forces in the fight against terrorism.

Meanwhile, Air Vice Marshal Precious Amadi, Chief of Operations at NAF Headquarters, conducted a visit to the NAF Base in Maiduguri, Borno State, to assess the readiness of personnel and equipment. During the visit, he reviewed the operational environment and received briefings from the Air Component and the 105 Composite Group, which highlighted the base’s preparedness for high-tempo joint operations alongside other security agencies.

Engagements were also held with the Theatre Command Headquarters of Operation Hadin Kai to strengthen air-ground coordination. Air Vice Marshal MC Ekwueme, Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, also visited the base to boost the morale of deployed personnel.

Commenting on the operation, Air Marshal Aneke reiterated the NAF’s commitment to sustained aerial operations against insurgent groups. He emphasized that coordinated air and ground operations are vital in shaping the battlefield and limiting hostile movements.

“The NAF remains focused on maintaining persistent air presence, delivering precision effects, and supporting joint forces to consolidate hard-won gains toward lasting peace and stability,” Aneke said.

One key challenge to the reconciliation, sources say, is that Wike’s faction supports a second term for Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s camp, led by Kabiru Turaki, is committed to fielding a viable presidential candidate in 2027.

Wike’s faction has maintained that the PDP will not present a presidential candidate in the next election, sparking speculation that they may demand Turaki’s camp endorse Tinubu as a condition for reconciliation.

However, speaking on The Morning Show, Ememobong expressed optimism that common ground could be reached, but stressed that the PDP may not endorse Tinubu.

He said the party would field candidates at all levels in the 2027 elections.

Addressing concerns that reconciliation might seem unrealistic, Ememobong said:

“Truth is that both hope and delusion are human emotions, and at the end of the day, it is the result that determines which was hope and which was delusion.
“So I can assure you that we may not endorse the President. As leaders, we listen to the people who delegated power to us. At this point, delegates have asked, ‘Can we at least get to the table?’
“When parties come together, you negotiate from your minimum requirements. If peace is to be achieved, one of the conditions will be that we field candidates at all levels.
“Regarding the presidency, we will present a viable candidate. We are approaching reconciliation with an open mind, but it must ensure the PDP remains an opposition party.”