NAF Airstrikes Neutralise Terrorist Targets in Abbagajiri, Enable Ground Offensive in Timbuktu Triangle

NAF Airstrikes Neutralise Terrorist Targets in Abbagajiri, Enable Ground Offensive in Timbuktu Triangle

Kingsley Ohens reporting For Urbanscoopnews

Abuja, Nigeria — January 9, 2026

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that precision airstrikes carried out in Abbagajiri, within the Timbuktu Triangle area of the Lake Chad region, have successfully degraded terrorist strongholds and paved the way for coordinated ground operations by joint forces.

The strikes were conducted on January 8, 2026, under the Joint Task Force of Operation Hadin Kai, following actionable multi-source intelligence that identified the presence of terrorist elements, fortified enclaves, and concealed logistics facilities in the area.

In a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF aircraft were deployed in an integrated operation combining intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance with precision strike capabilities.

“NAF air assets were employed in carefully coordinated surveillance and strike roles to engage confirmed targets,” Ejodame said. “The operation was deliberately designed to degrade terrorist capabilities, deny them sanctuary, and shape the battlespace for advancing ground forces, in strict compliance with established rules of engagement and the protection of non-combatants.”

According to the Air Force, multiple terrorist structures were decisively engaged and destroyed during the initial strikes, effectively denying the militants freedom of action. A follow-up engagement subsequently neutralised armed elements observed converging on the location.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the mission as a clear demonstration of the Nigerian Air Force’s determination to dominate the air domain in support of joint military operations.

“This operation underscores our unwavering commitment to delivering precise and decisive airpower in support of ground forces,” Air Marshal Aneke stated. “We will continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement, safe havens, and logistical networks wherever they attempt to hide.”

Subsequent advances by ground troops into the targeted area reportedly confirmed the effectiveness of the airstrikes, validating the success of the joint air–land operation and further weakening terrorist presence within the Timbuktu Triangle.

Reaffirming the NAF’s operational posture, Air Marshal Aneke emphasised that air operations would remain intelligence-driven, persistent, and focused on dismantling terrorist networks while safeguarding civilian lives.

“Our operations are meticulously planned and intelligence-led to achieve maximum impact on hostile elements while ensuring the protection of innocent civilians,” he said. “The Nigerian Air Force will sustain pressure until terrorist networks are completely dismantled.”

The Lake Chad region, particularly the Timbuktu Triangle, has remained a critical theatre in Nigeria’s counterterrorism campaign, with joint forces intensifying efforts to disrupt insurgent activities and restore lasting security to affected communities.