Nigerian Air Force Conducts Precision Airstrikes Against Terrorist and Bandit Groups
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has carried out a series of precision airstrikes targeting terrorist and bandit hideouts across several northern states, including Kwara, Borno, and Katsina. These operations were part of broader counterterrorism and counter-banditry efforts aimed at disrupting the activities of militant groups.
Targeted Operations in Key Locations
In Borno State, the NAF focused on Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) positions in Mallam Fatori and Shuwaram. The strikes targeted insurgent hideouts, logistics hubs, and weapons storage facilities. According to the statement from the NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, these operations significantly weakened ISWAP’s operational capabilities.
In Kwara State, the focus was on bandit camps in Garin Dandi and Chigogo. The NAF used credible intelligence to conduct precision strikes that caused panic among the criminals and inflicted heavy losses. Similarly, in Katsina State, Zango Hill in Kankara Local Government Area became a target due to its association with a terrorist kingpin and his fighters.
Operational Successes and Strategic Impact
The NAF’s operations in Borno State involved air interdiction missions that dealt a heavy blow to ISWAP terrorists entrenched in the Northern Tumbuns. Guided by real-time Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) feeds, the air assets conducted precision strikes southeast of Shuwaram before shifting to Mallam Fatori, where ISWAP elements were observed mobilising with motorcycles and boats along the Lake Chad Basin.
The strikes destroyed insurgent hideouts, logistics hubs, and weapons storage facilities, eliminating several terrorists and crippling their mobility. Post-strike assessments confirmed multiple neutralisations and significant degradation of ISWAP’s operational networks in the area.
Expansion of Operations Across the Northwest
In addition to the operations in Borno, Kwara, and Katsina, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted armed reconnaissance missions across Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna states. These missions engaged armed groups along known routes and neutralised several targets.
During a related operation, air assets under Operation FANSAN YAMMA struck Zango Hill in Kankara LGA, Katsina State — the hideout of a terrorist kingpin and his fighters. Guided by actionable intelligence and ISR surveillance, multiple attack passes were executed, destroying key logistics hubs and neutralising several terrorists in one of the most decisive strikes in the region.
Coordinated Efforts and Continued Vigilance
The Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (Sector 1) conducted an armed reconnaissance mission across the northwest corridor, covering key settlements in Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna states, including Kakihum, Dankolo, Kotonkoro, and Kuyello. These locations serve as known routes and hideouts for armed groups along the Birnin Gwari–Funtua axis.
During the mission, coordination with Forward Operating Bases at Dankolo and Kotonkoro revealed suspicious movement near Wam Hill, where terrorists on motorcycles were spotted attempting to flee. The aircrew swiftly engaged and neutralised the targets, with no further hostile activity observed.
Conclusion
The successful operations in Borno, Kwara, Katsina, and across the broader northwestern corridor highlight the Nigerian Air Force’s increased operational tempo under the directives of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke. These efforts demonstrate the NAF’s commitment to maintaining security and stability in the region.