The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced a significant victory in its ongoing battle against terrorism and banditry, confirming the elimination of numerous Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters and bandits in a series of coordinated airstrikes.
Precision Strikes Across Multiple States
According to an official statement released on November 11, 2025, the air component executed decisive missions on November 9, 2025. These operations, conducted under the umbrella of Operation HADIN KAI in the Northeast and Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the Northwest, targeted terrorist and criminal enclaves with devastating accuracy.
In Borno State, intelligence-driven airstrikes were carried out in the Northern Tumbuns, specifically southeast of Shuwaram and in Mallam Fatori. ISR feeds revealed ISWAP elements mobilizing with motorcycles and boats along the Lake Chad Basin. The subsequent air interdiction missions destroyed insurgent hideouts, logistics hubs, and weapons storage facilities. The NAF reported that the strikes resulted in multiple neutralisations of terrorists and severely crippled the group's mobility in the area.
Bandit Camps Neutralized in Kwara and Katsina
Simultaneously, NAF aircraft targeted bandit strongholds in other regions. In Kwara State, precision strikes hit camps in Garin Dandi and Chigogo, inflicting heavy losses on the criminals based on credible intelligence.
Another successful operation took place in Katsina State, where air assets targeted Zango Hill in the Kankara Local Government Area. This location was identified as the hideout of a notorious terrorist kingpin and his fighters. Multiple attack passes were conducted, destroying key logistics hubs and neutralizing several terrorists in what was described as one of the most decisive strikes in the region.
Expanded Reach in the Northwest Corridor
Demonstrating its extended operational reach, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA also conducted an Armed Reconnaissance mission across the northwest. The mission covered key settlements in Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna States, including Kakihum, Dankolo, Kotonkoro, and Kuyello.
During this mission, coordination with Forward Operating Bases revealed suspicious movement near Wam Hill, where terrorists on motorcycles were spotted attempting to flee. The aircrew swiftly engaged and neutralised the targets, after which no further hostile activity was observed.
The NAF attributed the success of these widespread operations to a renewed tempo following the directives of the head of the Air Staff. The force reaffirmed its commitment to projecting smarter, intelligence-driven airpower to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians and enhance national security.
