THE Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its counterterrorism efforts with a series of coordinated precision airstrikes that have neutralised several fighters of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) and destroyed multiple bandit hideouts across northern Nigeria.
The latest operations, conducted on November 9, targeted insurgent strongholds in the Northern Tumbuns around Mallam Fatori and Shuwaram in Borno State, while simultaneous interdictions were executed on bandit camps in Garin Dandi and Chigogo in Kwara State, as well as Zango Hill in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State.
A statement sent to News Point Nigeria by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Enjodame, described the strikes as a major boost to joint operations under Operation HADIN KAI in the Northeast and Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the Northwest aimed at degrading terrorist mobility, firepower, and command structures.
“Guided by real-time ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance), NAF aircraft carried out precision strikes that destroyed ISWAP logistics hubs, weapons depots, and hideouts, eliminating several fighters,” Enjodame said.
The Lake Chad region assault particularly dealt a blow to ISWAP militants mobilising on motorcycles and boats for fresh attacks, with post-strike imagery confirming heavy casualties among the terrorists.
NAF confirmed that aircraft simultaneously launched devastating attacks on criminal enclaves in Kwara State, creating panic among armed groups and inflicting significant losses.
In Katsina, a terrorist kingpin’s hideout on Zango Hill was struck with multiple attack passes, resulting in neutralisation of insurgents and destruction of a key logistics line.
Armed reconnaissance flights later tracked fleeing terrorists in the Birnin Gwari–Funtua axis of Zamfara, Kebbi and Kaduna States, where troops intercepted and eliminated motorcycle-riding militants attempting to escape through bush paths.
The operation follows strategic directives from the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, who recently met operational commanders in Abuja and ordered intensified precision engagements.
“We must fly smarter and strike harder,” he charged, emphasizing intelligence-driven missions backed by professionalism and patriotism.
NAF said the success of the air raids reflects its strengthened campaign to protect lives and secure communities amid mounting domestic and global pressure to eradicate terrorist violence.
“The task ahead is immense. But we are resolved to move forward with unity and purpose to defeat terrorism,” Tinubu assured.
