Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), through the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, has intensified its aerial offensive against terrorist enclaves in Borno State, delivering a series of precision strikes that destroyed key hideouts and logistics facilities within the Sambisa Forest axis and generated growing apprehension among insurgent fighters. In a statement issued on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed that the latest operations were carried out on May 26, 2026, following credible Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) reports. NAF air assets executed coordinated strikes on identified terrorist hideouts and support structures at Biramiri, located in the Gezuwa general area of Borno State. The air raids, which have been sustained over several weeks, are part of a broader strategy to deny insurgents freedom of movement, disrupt their supply chains, and degrade their ability to launch attacks on civilian and military targets.
According to the NAF statement, the strikes at Biramiri resulted in the destruction of critical terrorist infrastructure and the neutralisation of an unspecified number of fighters. The operation was conducted with precision to minimise collateral damage while maximising impact on the insurgent network. “The coordinated attacks destroyed key terrorist facilities and neutralised several fighters, further crippling the operational capacity of the insurgents,” Ejodame said. The air component has been working in close coordination with ground troops of Operation HADIN KAI and other security agencies, ensuring that the momentum of the counter‑insurgency campaign is maintained. Since the beginning of the year, the NAF has stepped up its air campaign across the North‑East, focusing on known terrorist hubs in the Sambisa Forest, the Timbuktu Triangle, and the Lake Chad basin.
Intelligence assessments quoted in the statement indicate that the intensity and precision of the ongoing air offensives have generated “growing apprehension and disorientation within the ranks of the terrorists.” Insurgent fighters are reportedly struggling to regroup as sustained bombardments deny them safe havens and force them into constant movement. The psychological impact of the air campaign has been significant, with some intelligence reports suggesting that mid‑level commanders are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain cohesion among their fighters. The NAF has observed a trend of desertions and infighting among terrorist factions, a development that military analysts attribute to the relentless pressure from above. “The intensity and precision of the ongoing air offensives have continued to generate fear and confusion among terrorist elements across the Sambisa axis,” the statement noted.
The Biramiri strike is part of a series of operations that have seen the NAF shift from reactive to proactive counter‑terrorism tactics. In the weeks leading up to the May 26 strikes, the air component had conducted armed reconnaissance missions and targeted strikes in the Gezuwa area, which has long served as a logistics hub for both Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The area is known for its network of tunnels, camouflaged bunkers, and vehicle‑borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) assembly points. By neutralising these assets, the NAF aims to disrupt the terrorists’ ability to carry out large‑scale attacks on military formations and civilian communities. The air campaign has also provided critical support to ground troops, who have been advancing into previously inaccessible areas as part of Operation HADIN KAI’s clearance operations.
The Nigerian Air Force has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the offensive until the insurgent threat is fully neutralised. Air Commodore Ejodame emphasised that 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. The statement also noted that the air component is continuously reviewing its targeting lists and adapting its tactics to the evolving nature of the insurgency. Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance flights have been stepped up, and the NAF is utilising advanced platforms, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), to track terrorist movements and identify new hideouts.
The latest air strikes come at a critical juncture, as the military prepares for the final phase of the dry season campaign before the onset of heavy rains, which typically limit mobility and air operations. The NAF has made it clear that it intends to exploit the remaining window of good weather to inflict maximum damage on insurgent infrastructure. Analysts believe that the current pace of operations could be a prelude to a major ground offensive aimed at flushing out remaining terrorist cells from the Sambisa Forest. The military has already reported significant successes in the past year, including the surrender of hundreds of insurgent fighters and their families, as well as the rescue of numerous kidnapped victims.
The residents of communities in and around the Sambisa Forest have expressed cautious optimism following the intensified air campaign. Some internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have been living in camps for years have begun to express a desire to return to their ancestral homes, though security remains a major concern. The government has been working to stabilise liberated areas, providing basic services and encouraging the resettlement of displaced populations. However, the threat of landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) remains high, and the military has urged civilians to exercise patience and cooperate with ongoing clearance operations.
The NAF’s sustained air campaign in Borno State is a clear indication that the Federal Government is unwilling to relent in its fight against terrorism. The military leadership has repeatedly stated that there will be no negotiations with Boko Haram or ISWAP, and that the only path to peace is through the complete military defeat of the insurgent groups. The air strikes at Biramiri and other locations serve as a stark reminder that the era of terrorist safe havens in the North‑East is coming to an end. As the NAF continues to pummel enemy positions from the sky, the ground troops are moving in to consolidate gains and ensure that the liberated territories remain free. The battle for the Sambisa Forest is far from over, but the momentum has clearly shifted in favour of the Nigerian military.
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