Numerous members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been killed by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) during intensified counter-terrorism and counter-banditry operations across the country.
This follows a series of precision airstrikes that targeted the terrorists in Mallam Fatori and Shuwaram, Borno State, while also dismantling bandit hideouts in Garin Dandi and Chigogo, Kwara State, as well as Zango Hill in the Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State.
A statement from the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, noted that the coordinated missions conducted on 9 November 2025 marked a significant phase in the ongoing joint operations under Operation HADIN KAI and Operation FANSAN YAMMA, aimed at degrading terrorist and criminal networks throughout Nigeria’s northern regions.
“In Borno State, NAF air interdiction missions delivered a substantial blow to ISWAP terrorists entrenched in the Northern Tumbuns.
“Guided by real-time Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) feeds, air assets executed precision strikes southeast of Shuwaram before proceeding to Mallam Fatori, where ISWAP elements were observed mobilising on motorcycles and boats along the Lake Chad Basin.
“The strikes destroyed insurgent hideouts, logistics hubs, and weapons storage facilities, eliminating several terrorists and severely crippling their mobility. Post-strike assessments confirmed multiple neutralisations and a significant degradation of ISWAP’s operational networks in the area,” the statement read in part.
Air Marshal Aneke recently met with Air Component Commanders from all operational theatres at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja.
**Kwara Air Strikes**
The NAF headquarters reported that its aircraft simultaneously conducted precision air interdiction missions over Garin Dandi and Chigogo in Kwara, striking bandit camps with remarkable accuracy based on reliable intelligence.
“The attacks caused panic and inflicted heavy losses among the criminals,” the statement indicated.
In a related operation, air assets under Operation FANSAN YAMMA targeted Zango Hill in Kankara, Katsina State, the hideout of a terrorist kingpin and his fighters.
“Guided by actionable intelligence and ISR surveillance, multiple attack runs were executed, destroying key logistics hubs and neutralising several terrorists in one of the most decisive strikes in the region.
“Demonstrating sustained reach and precision, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (Sector 1) conducted an Armed Reconnaissance mission across the northwest corridor, covering key settlements in Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna States, including Kakihum, Dankolo, Kotonkoro, and Kuyello.
“These locations serve as known routes and hideouts for armed groups along the Birnin Gwari–Funtua axis. During the mission, coordination with Forward Operating Bases at Dankolo and Kotonkoro highlighted suspicious movement near Wam Hill, where terrorists on motorcycles were seen attempting to flee.
“The aircrew promptly engaged and neutralised the targets, with no further hostile activity observed,” the statement detailed.
The NAF emphasised that the success of the precision operations across Borno, Kwara, Katsina, and the wider northwestern corridor reflects its renewed tempo following the directives of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke.
It also stated that each mission reaffirms its commitment to utilising smarter, intelligence-driven airpower to deliver purposeful effectiveness against insurgents and criminals while safeguarding the lives and properties of citizens, thereby enhancing national security.
**‘Renewed Tempo’**
In light of US President Donald Trump’s warning to deploy US forces into Nigeria with “guns-a-blazing” if the nation does not curb what he termed the killing of Christians by terrorists, President Bola Tinubu pledged last week that his administration would intensify the fight against terrorism and criminality.
“The task ahead is immense. However, we are determined to forge ahead with unity and purpose to defeat terrorism and build a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Nigeria,” Tinubu stated.
The NAF raid came shortly after Air Marshal Aneke directed air component commanders from ongoing military operations nationwide to strengthen their strikes against terrorists.
“We must operate more intelligently and strike harder; every mission must exemplify professionalism, purpose, and patriotism,” he instructed the senior officers during a high-level strategic meeting with commanders at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja.
