The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), operating under the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma Sector 2, has successfully neutralized terrorist elements in the North-West region. In a precision airstrike conducted in Katsina State, the NAF destroyed a notorious hideout linked to the terrorist kingpin Abasu Aiki.
Operation Details
The operation took place over the weekend, targeting a terrorist enclave within the Dan-Aji Forest in Faskari Local Government Area. The strike was based on sustained and credible intelligence reports indicating renewed terrorist activity in the area. According to a statement from NAF’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, further intelligence confirmed that the location served as a logistics hub and transit point for fighters loyal to Aiki. These fighters have been implicated in repeated attacks on communities and security forces across the Faskari, Kankara, and Funtua axis of Katsina.
Ejodame emphasized that the successful operation significantly disrupts terrorist movement and resupply within the area. It underscores NAF’s sustained resolve to deny terrorists safe havens, dismantle their operational networks, and support ongoing efforts to restore peace and security across the region.
Additional Strikes in Borno
In a related development, the Air Force, under the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, unleashed sustained and aggressive precision strikes on terrorist logistics hubs in Borno State. These strikes killed scores of fighters across Sambisa and the Tumbuns. The operations were carried out on April 30 at Alafa in the Sambisa axis and on May 1, 2026, at terrorist positions in Metele within the Tumbuns. Credible intelligence guided these strikes, which obliterated the insurgents’ enclaves and hideouts.
North-West Governors Take a Hardline Stance
Meanwhile, governors from the North-West region have reaffirmed a unified and uncompromising stance against insecurity. They declared that they would no longer engage in any form of negotiation with bandits as part of renewed efforts to restore peace in the region. This position was reiterated by Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, during the commissioning of the N12.6 billion Yandaki–Shinkafi–Kofar Sauri Road project in Katsina State.
Governor Aliyu stated that the North-West governors are collectively committed to confronting criminal elements head-on. He stressed that peace cannot be achieved through dialogue with armed groups. “We will not negotiate with any criminal, nor accept any offer from them unless they surrender unconditionally,” he declared.
He explained that state governments across the region are increasing investments in security infrastructure and strengthening collaboration with security agencies to dismantle bandit networks and end persistent violence in affected communities. Aliyu also urged residents to support security efforts by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities, warning that bandit operations often rely on local collaborators. The governor called on citizens to continue supporting security operatives through prayers and cooperation, expressing optimism that ongoing measures would restore lasting peace across the region and the country at large.
Aliyu commended his Katsina counterpart, Dikko Umaru Radda, for establishing the State Community Guard, describing it as a strong complement to conventional security agencies. He disclosed that Sokoto adopted a similar initiative after observing its impact in Katsina, noting that community-based security structures are proving effective in addressing local security challenges.
Senator Ndume Urges Mediator to Liaise with Security Agencies
In a separate development, the senator representing Borno South in the National Assembly, Ali Ndume, has urged the mediator handling the Ngoshe captives’ case to liaise closely with security agencies. He warned against politicizing the negotiations. Ndume spoke amid ongoing efforts to secure the release of residents abducted by insurgents in Ngoshe, Gwoza council area, as well as the rescue of six of the captives by troops of the Nigerian military.
Speaking to newsmen at the weekend in Maiduguri, Ndume hailed the Federal Government and troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists. These efforts led to the rescue of six of the 416 people, mostly women and children, who were recently abducted by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Ngoshe village, Gwoza council area of the state.
The lawmaker called on the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA) and its President, Samaila Kaigama, whom he said claimed to be a mediator between a factional group of Boko Haram terrorists and the government, to liaise with security agencies rather than politicizing the mediation. He noted that since the tragedy occurred, some of the captives have been rescued, including the latest rescue on Friday, May 1, 2026, in which an additional six captives were rescued and reunited with family members in the Ngoshe community.
