THE Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its counterterrorism and counter-banditry operations, killing several members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) and destroying multiple criminal hideouts across Borno, Kwara, and Katsina States.
According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the coordinated missions conducted yesterday, marked a significant phase in ongoing joint operations under Operation HADIN KAI and Operation FANSAN YAMMA, aimed at dismantling terrorist and criminal networks across the North.
In Borno State, precision airstrikes targeted ISWAP strongholds in the Northern Tumbuns, Shuwaram, and Mallam Fatori areas. Guided by real-time intelligence and surveillance, NAF aircraft destroyed insurgent hideouts, logistics bases, and weapons depots, eliminating several terrorists and crippling their mobility within the Lake Chad Basin.
Simultaneously, air interdiction missions in Kwara State struck bandit camps in Garin Dandi and Chigogo, inflicting heavy casualties and causing panic among the criminals.
Similar strikes in Katsina State targeted Zango Hill in Kankara Local Government Area—an enclave of a notorious terrorist leader—where air assets neutralised several fighters and destroyed logistics hubs.
The NAF also reported that during reconnaissance operations across Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna States, its aircrew engaged armed groups attempting to flee near Wam Hill, effectively neutralising the threat.
NAF Headquarters emphasised that these successful precision strikes reflect its renewed operational tempo under the directive of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke.
The statement reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to employing intelligence-driven airpower to protect lives and enhance national security.
The latest offensive comes amid President Bola Tinubu’s renewed pledge to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and criminality. His assurance followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks threatening to deploy U.S. forces to Nigeria if attacks on Christians persist.
At a recent strategic meeting in Abuja, Air Marshal Aneke urged his commanders to “fly smarter and strike harder,” reinforcing NAF’s focus on professionalism, precision, and patriotism in safeguarding the nation.