The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has carried out a successful air interdiction operation against Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the Southern Tumbuns area of the North-East, destroying key logistics assets and neutralising fighters.

The operation was conducted on Dec. 14 at Dabar Masara, a location identified as a terrorist stronghold, as part of sustained efforts to disrupt terrorist activities and supply networks.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Monday.

Ejodame said the air strike followed credible intelligence reports indicating the presence of a terrorist workshop and sustained movement of armed elements within the area.

According to him, the Air Component of Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, deployed an integrated force package to carry out coordinated Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions alongside strike operations.

“Prior ISR missions revealed repeated terrorist movements within the area, as well as a significant concentration of vehicles concealed under vegetation, confirming the location as an active terrorist logistics hub,” he said.

Ejodame explained that further surveillance on the day of the operation validated the intelligence, with terrorists observed manoeuvring around the identified vehicles.

“Following positive identification and in strict adherence to the Rules of Engagement, the targets were engaged,” he added.

He said post-operation Battle Damage Assessment confirmed that the targeted vehicles were destroyed and terrorist elements neutralised.

The NAF spokesperson said the successful operation underscored the Air Force’s commitment to intelligence-driven and precision air operations in support of national efforts to degrade terrorist networks and enhance security in affected regions.

He reaffirmed the resolve of the Nigerian Air Force to continue supporting ongoing counterterrorism operations in collaboration with other arms of the Armed Forces.