NAF intensifies precision Airstrikes, neutralises ISWAP and bandits across Northern states

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its counterterrorism and counter-banditry operations across the northern region with a series of coordinated precision airstrikes that neutralised Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters and destroyed multiple bandit camps in Borno, Kwara, Katsina, Zamfara, and Kaduna States.

The operations, conducted on 9 November 2025, were executed under Operation HADIN KAI in the Northeast and Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the Northwest, following actionable intelligence and surveillance reports.

In Borno State, air interdiction missions targeted ISWAP positions in Shuwaram and Mallam Fatori, where terrorists were observed mobilising with motorcycles and boats along the Lake Chad Basin. The airstrikes destroyed hideouts, logistics hubs, and ammunition storage facilities, resulting in the neutralisation of several fighters and significantly degrading ISWAP’s mobility and operational capabilities.

Simultaneously, NAF aircraft also carried out precision strikes on identified bandit enclaves in Garin Dandi and Chigogo in Kwara State, causing disarray within criminal networks. Another coordinated strike targeted Zango Hill in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, known to harbour a terrorist kingpin and his fighters, resulting in the destruction of key logistics structures and neutralisation of multiple combatants.

Further armed reconnaissance missions extended across Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna States along the Birnin Gwari–Funtua axis, where suspicious movements of terrorists were intercepted near Wam Hill. The aircrew swiftly engaged and neutralised the targets.

The Nigerian Air Force described the operations as part of its renewed strategy to deliver intelligence driven and precise airpower aimed at safeguarding citizens and restoring security across affected regions.

Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, reaffirmed the commitment of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, to sustain the operational momentum and ensure that terrorist and criminal networks continue to be degraded across the country.