The Nigerian Air Force, under the Joint Task Force of Operation Hadin Kai, conducted an intelligence-driven Air Interdiction mission against terrorist elements in the Yuwe general area of the Sambisa axis in Borno State.

The early morning operation, according to the service, followed confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance that identified structures used as terrorist commanders’ hideouts and logistics warehouses.

A statement released on Monday by the NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said post-strike assessments, supported by intelligence sources, confirmed the neutralisation of several high-value operatives, including senior commanders and fighters coordinating activities within the theatre.

The statement partly read, “The NAF under the Joint Task Force of Operation Hadin Kai, executed a decisive, intelligence-driven Air Interdiction mission against terrorist elements in the Yuwe general area of the Sambisa axis on 28 February 2026. The early morning operation followed confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance which identified structures serving as terrorist commanders’ hideouts and logistics warehouses.

“Acting with precision and overwhelming force, NAF strike elements successfully acquired and engaged the validated targets, delivering accurate air strikes that effectively dismantled critical terrorist infrastructure.

“Post-strike assessments, corroborated by credible intelligence sources, confirm the neutralisation of several high-value terrorist operatives, including senior commanders and fighters actively coordinating hostile activities within the theatre.”

He said the strikes disrupted the terrorists’ command-and-control structure and degraded their logistics network, limiting their operational capacity in the area.

He stated, “The strikes significantly disrupted the terrorists’ command-and-control architecture and degraded their logistics network, further constraining their operational capabilities in the region.

“The Nigerian Air Force has since maintained a sustained ISR presence over the area to identify and engage additional verified targets, keeping relentless pressure on fleeing and regrouping elements.”

Commenting on the operation, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, commended the professionalism and combat efficiency of the aircrew and supporting personnel.

He reaffirmed the NAF’s unwavering resolve to deny terrorists any sanctuary within the country.

“The Nigerian Air Force will continue to project decisive air power in close synergy with ground forces until every identified terrorist enclave is dismantled. We remain committed to sustaining aggressive, intelligence-led operations that protect our nation and restore enduring peace,” he added.

The air operation forms part of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts under Operation Hadin Kai in Nigeria’s North-East.

The Nigerian Air Force has sustained aerial offensives in the Sambisa axis and surrounding areas to degrade terrorist strongholds, disrupt logistics networks and support ground troops in restoring security across affected communities.

punch.ng

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Members of the South West leadership of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria staged a peaceful protest in Lagos State, denouncing the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in strikes by the United States and Israel.

The protest, which took place in the early hours of Monday, follows similar demonstrations in Kano State on Sunday.

In Lagos, demonstrators marched through parts of the Maryland axis, carrying placards and banners denouncing what they described as an “invasion” of Iran and the targeted assassination of the long-serving Iranian leader.

Chants and slogans expressed solidarity with Iran and strong opposition to the actions of the United States and Israel.

According to reports from Leadership, the gathering remained calm and orderly, with no immediate reports of violence or major disruptions or spread to other areas.

Some IMN leaders, speaking to newsmen, urged the Nigerian government to reject the presence of US troops in the country.

South West coordinator of IMN, Muftau Zakariya, said that the protest was organised to express their concerns about what he called sustained invasions of sovereign nations by the United States administration, citing Venezuela as a recent example of foreign interference.

Zakariya also claimed that terrorism in Nigeria has increased since the involvement of the US government.

He said heightened and sustained attacks in Kwara State followed what he described as US involvement in the country’s affairs.

“I said to you that nothing good is coming from the US intervention. It is only interested in their economic gains and not minding the consequences thereafter,” he told Leadership.

Another leader of the movement, Muhammadu Bashir, said the protest was a way of registering their concerns over the killing of Iranian leaders.

He said the protest would remain peaceful and would be sustained across the region.

The demonstration follows widespread outrage among Shi’ite communities globally after Iranian state media confirmed Khamenei’s death on Saturday during a large-scale U.S.-Israeli operation against targets in Iran.

The strikes, which began on or around February 28, 2026, have escalated into ongoing military exchanges, with reports of significant casualties, retaliatory actions by Iran, and regional instability.

The Islamic Republic on Sunday announced 40 days of national mourning in honour of Khamenei, who ruled the Middle East nation for nearly four decades.

punch.ng

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

The National Police Council has unanimously endorsed the appointment of Olatunji Disu as substantive Inspector-General of Police.

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this to our correspondent after the council’s meeting at the State House, Abuja, which lasted about 40 minutes.

“Yes, they have unanimously endorsed Disu as IGP,” Onanuga said

PUNCH Online reports that Monday’s gathering began at about 2:15 pm when Tinubu arrived at the Council Chamber.

The meeting is in compliance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, which requires the Police Council to consider the appointment.

In its statement announcing the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun last Tuesday, the Presidency had indicated that the council would be convened shortly.

“In compliance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, President Tinubu will convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council shortly to formally consider the appointment of AIG Disu as substantive Inspector-General of Police, after which his name will be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation,” Onanuga said in the statement.

The Police Council is chaired by the President and comprises all 36 state governors, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, and the Inspector-General of Police.

On Sunday, two highly placed officials in the Presidency and the police establishment confirmed the scheduled meeting to our correspondent.

“The Police Council Meeting is on Monday,” one of the sources said.

The second source, also familiar with the president’s schedule, confirmed, “Yes, we are meeting on Monday. The usual time for FEC meetings is 12:00 or 1:00 pm.”

Those who attended the meeting are Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Head of Civil Service, Didi Walson-Jack, and Governors of Enugu, Nasarawa, Ogun, Kwara, Plateau, Ondo and Lagos.

The Deputy Governor of Kogi State also attended alongside the Ministers of the Federal Capital Territory, Police Affairs and Interior.

Disu, 59, has been serving in an acting capacity since his appointment on Wednesday following Egbetokun’s exit.

Although the former IGP officially cited “family issues” in his resignation letter, Saturday PUNCH reported that he was summoned to the Presidential Villa on Monday evening and informed that he had to step down.

punch.ng

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM