The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), operating under the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) Sector 1, has continued its relentless air operations against terrorists and armed bandits across the North West region. The forces delivered precision strikes on identified criminal enclaves while intensifying intelligence, surveillance, and armed reconnaissance missions in support of ongoing joint operations.
Rescue Operations in Sokoto
In Sokoto State, troops from Sector 2 of Operation Fansan Yamma rescued 22 kidnapped victims in separate operations conducted in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas. NAF aircraft struck a confirmed terrorist stronghold within the Joint Operations Area, disrupting the activities of criminal elements and degrading their operational capability.
The coordinated missions were carried out on 18 and 19 June 2026, underscoring the NAF’s unwavering resolve to deny criminal elements freedom of action and reinforce security across the theatre. The Service Spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, stated that in a separate intelligence-led mission around Kidandan, NAF aircraft neutralised terrorists after positively identifying their movement within the area.
“Follow-up reconnaissance over Fatika and Sabuwa confirmed the absence of further terrorist activity, while sustained aerial surveillance continued in support of friendly ground forces and ongoing operations across the theatre,” Ejodame said.
Details of Rescue Missions
Media Information Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, reported that troops immediately mobilised to the Sabon Birni–Shinkafi Road at Kura Mota Village in Sokoto following intelligence that terrorists had blocked the road and attacked two civilian vehicles, abducting several passengers.
“Acting swiftly, troops immediately mobilised to the scene and launched a coordinated pursuit operation supported by aerial surveillance. The prompt response and sustained pressure mounted by the troops forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee. Consequently, 17 kidnapped passengers were successfully rescued and subsequently handed over to the appropriate authorities for necessary action,” Danja said.
Similarly, he noted that troops responded to another terrorist attack at Chohi Village, where armed terrorists had attempted to abduct farmers working on their farmlands. Danja explained that upon receipt of the distress call, troops rapidly deployed to the area and pursued the fleeing terrorists along their withdrawal route. The aggressive pursuit led to the rescue of five kidnapped farmers, who were thereafter reunited with their families.
