By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
Nigeria’s air war against terrorism intensified on January 8, 2026, as the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) delivered a decisive blow on terrorist enclaves at AbbagaJiri in the notorious Timbuktu Triangle, clearing the path for advancing ground forces under Operation HADIN KAI.
In a tightly coordinated joint operation driven by actionable, multi-source intelligence, NAF air assets were deployed in integrated surveillance and precision strike missions after confirming the presence of active terrorist elements, fortified structures and concealed logistics hubs in the area.
The operation marked another calculated move by the military to choke off insurgent mobility and dismantle sanctuaries that have long sustained attacks across the North-East.
Military sources said the mission was deliberately crafted to reshape the battlespace ahead of ground troop advances, striking at the heart of terrorist infrastructure while adhering strictly to rules of engagement designed to protect non-combatants.
Identified terrorist structures were methodically engaged and destroyed, effectively denying the insurgents freedom of movement and operational cover.
As the strikes unfolded, armed fighters attempting to regroup and converge on the location were detected and neutralised in follow-up engagements, further compounding the losses suffered by the terrorist network.
Subsequent advances by ground forces into AbbagaJiri confirmed the precision and effectiveness of the airstrikes, validating the success of the joint air land offensive.
Reacting to the operation, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said the mission underscored the Nigerian Air Force’s resolve to dominate the airspace in support of ground operations.
According to him, the AbbagaJiri strikes reflect a clear strategy of denying terrorists sanctuary, logistics and freedom of action wherever they attempt to regroup.
“This operation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to delivering precise and decisive airpower in support of ground forces.
We will continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement, sanctuary and logistics wherever they seek to hide,” Aneke said.
He stressed that NAF operations remain intelligence-driven and meticulously planned to maximise impact on hostile elements while safeguarding civilian lives and property.
“Our pressure on terrorist networks will be sustained until they are completely dismantled,” the Air Chief added.
The AbbagaJiri operation reinforces the Nigerian Air Force’s increasingly aggressive posture in the counter-terrorism campaign, highlighting its critical role in shaping the battlefield and enabling ground troops to maintain momentum.
As joint forces tighten the noose around insurgent strongholds in the Timbuktu Triangle, the latest air interdiction sends a clear signal: the skies are no longer safe for terrorists, and the push to reclaim every inch of threatened territory is far from over.
