The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its counterterrorism and counter-banditry campaign with a series of coordinated precision airstrikes that have neutralised Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Mallam Fatori and Shuwaram, Borno State, and destroyed bandit enclaves in Garin Dandi and Chigogo, Kwara State, as well as Zango Hill in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, disclosed in a statement that the missions, executed on 9 November 2025, mark a decisive phase in ongoing joint operations under Operation HADIN KAI and Operation FANSAN YAMMA, aimed at degrading terrorist and criminal networks across Nigeria’s northern theatres.
In Borno State, NAF interdiction missions dealt a major blow to ISWAP elements entrenched in the Northern Tumbuns. Guided by real-time Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) feeds, air assets conducted precision strikes southeast of Shuwaram before shifting to Mallam Fatori, where terrorists were observed mobilising with motorcycles and boats along the Lake Chad Basin. The strikes destroyed hideouts, logistics hubs, and weapons depots, neutralising several fighters and crippling ISWAP’s mobility and supply capacity. Post-strike assessments confirmed multiple neutralisations and a significant disruption of ISWAP’s operational networks.
Simultaneously, NAF aircraft executed precision air interdictions over Garin Dandi and Chigogo in Kwara State, targeting bandit camps based on credible intelligence. The strikes were devastatingly accurate, inflicting heavy casualties and dislodging criminal elements. In a related operation under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, NAF jets struck Zango Hill in Kankara LGA, Katsina State—a known hideout of a notorious terrorist kingpin and his fighters. Multiple attack passes destroyed key logistics structures and neutralised several terrorists in what has been described as one of the most decisive airstrikes in the region.
Demonstrating sustained reach and coordination, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (Sector 1) conducted an Armed Reconnaissance mission across parts of Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna States, including Kakihum, Dankolo, Kotonkoro, and Kuyello—known transit routes and hideouts for armed groups operating along the Birnin Gwari–Funtua axis. During the mission, coordination with Forward Operating Bases at Dankolo and Kotonkoro revealed suspicious movements 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.
According to Air Commodore Ejodame, the success of these precision operations reflects the Nigerian Air Force’s renewed operational tempo under the directive of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.
“Each mission reaffirms the NAF’s resolve to project smarter, intelligence-driven airpower capable of delivering decisive lethality against insurgents and criminals while protecting citizens and national assets,” he stated.