NAF Escalates Offensive Against Terrorist Networks
The Nigerian Air Force has significantly increased its counter-terrorism and counter-banditry campaigns across multiple states, delivering devastating blows to terrorist elements through coordinated aerial assaults.
In a major operational push on November 9, 2025, NAF aircraft executed precision strikes against Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Mallam Fatori and Shuwaram, Borno State, while simultaneously targeting bandit strongholds in Garin Dandi and Chigogo, Kwara State, and Zango Hill in Katsina State's Kankara Local Government Area.
Coordinated Strikes Across Multiple Fronts
According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF's spokesman, these missions represent a decisive phase in the ongoing joint operations under Operation Hadin Kai and Operation Fasnsan Yamma. The operations aim to systematically degrade terrorist and criminal networks operating across Nigeria's northern regions.
In Borno State, the air interdiction missions specifically targeted ISWAP terrorists entrenched in the Northern Tumbuns area. Guided by real-time Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) feeds, air assets first conducted precision strikes southeast of Shuwaram before shifting focus to Mallam Fatori.
"The strikes destroyed insurgent hideouts, logistics hubs, and weapons storage facilities, eliminating several terrorists and crippling their mobility capabilities," Ejodame confirmed. Post-strike assessments verified multiple neutralisations and significant damage to ISWAP's operational networks in the Lake Chad Basin area.
Simultaneous Operations in Northwest Corridor
Meanwhile, in Kwara State, NAF aircraft carried out equally precise air interdiction missions over bandit camps in Garin Dandi and Chigogo. Based on credible intelligence, the attacks caused panic and inflicted heavy losses among the criminal elements.
In a related operation under Operation Fansa Yamma, air assets targeted Zango Hill in Katsina State, known as the hideout of a terrorist kingpin and his fighters. Multiple attack passes were executed, destroying key logistics hubs and neutralising several terrorists in what officials described as one of the most decisive strikes in the region.
The Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma (Sector 1) also demonstrated sustained reach and precision through an Armed Reconnaissance mission across the northwest corridor. This operation covered key settlements in Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna States, including Kakihum, Dankolo, Kotonkoro, and Kuyello.
During this 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 afterward.
Enhanced Operational Tempo Under New Leadership
The success of these precision operations across Borno, Kwara, Katsina, and the wider northwestern corridor highlights the Nigerian Air Force's renewed operational tempo following directives from the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.
Air Commodore Ejodame emphasized that each mission reaffirms NAF's commitment to projecting smarter, intelligence-driven airpower against insurgents and criminals. This strategic approach aims to protect the lives and properties of citizens while significantly enhancing national security.
The Nigerian Air Force continues to leverage advanced surveillance technology and real-time intelligence to maintain pressure on terrorist groups and criminal networks across the country.
