By Chimezie Godfrey
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing counterterrorism and anti-banditry operations, launching precision airstrikes that neutralised scores of Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists and destroyed several bandits’ enclaves across Borno, Kwara, Katsina, Zamfara, and Kaduna States.
The coordinated strikes, carried out on November 9, 2025, under Operation HADIN KAI and Operation FANSAN YAMMA, are part of renewed efforts by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, to sustain decisive air operations against terrorists and criminals across Nigeria’s northern regions.
In Borno State, the Air Force struck ISWAP strongholds around Mallam Fatori and Shuwaram following credible intelligence reports. The strikes, guided by real-time Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) data, targeted terrorists mobilising on motorcycles and boats along the Lake Chad Basin. Several hideouts, logistics bases, and weapons stores were destroyed, leaving multiple insurgents neutralised and their operational network severely degraded.
Similarly, in Kwara State, precision air interdictions were executed in Garin Dandi and Chigogo communities, where bandit camps were hit with devastating accuracy. The air raids caused panic among the criminals and inflicted heavy casualties.
In Katsina State, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA struck Zango Hill in Kankara Local Government Area, believed to be a hideout of a notorious terrorist kingpin and his fighters. The coordinated attack destroyed their logistics facilities and neutralised several fighters in one of the most successful operations recorded in recent months.
In a related development, NAF’s air assets also conducted armed reconnaissance missions across Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna States, covering routes notorious for criminal movement, including Kakihum, Dankolo, Kotonkoro, and Kuyello along the Birnin Gwari–Funtua axis. During the mission, troops sighted terrorists on motorcycles near Wam Hill attempting to escape but were swiftly engaged and neutralised.
According to the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the operations reflect the Air Force’s renewed precision, coordination, and intelligence-driven approach to national security.
He said: “These precision operations underscore the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to protecting citizens and dismantling criminal networks. The tempo of operations has been intensified in line with the directives of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, to apply smarter and intelligence-led airpower for maximum impact.”
Ejodame reaffirmed that the Nigerian Air Force remains resolute in its mission to ensure the safety of all Nigerians through sustained aerial dominance and coordinated joint operations with ground troops.