The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its offensive against terrorists and armed bandits in the North-West, carrying out precision airstrikes on identified criminal hideouts while supporting ground troops with intelligence and surveillance operations.
The operations, conducted between June 18 and 19 under the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma, targeted terrorist enclaves across the theatre of operations, resulting in the neutralisation of several fighters and the disruption of their activities.
NAF spokesperson, Ehimen Ejodame, said air assets successfully struck a confirmed terrorist stronghold within the Joint Operations Area and later engaged suspected terrorists whose movements were detected around Kidandan.
According to him, follow-up reconnaissance missions over Fatika and Sabuwa confirmed the absence of further terrorist activity, while aerial surveillance continued in support of ongoing military operations.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma in Sokoto State rescued 22 kidnapped victims in separate operations in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas.
The Media Information Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, Aliyu Danja, said troops responded swiftly after receiving intelligence that terrorists had blocked the Sabon Birni–Shinkafi Road near Kura Mota Village and abducted passengers from two vehicles.
He said troops, supported by aerial surveillance, launched a coordinated pursuit operation that forced the attackers to abandon their captives and flee, leading to the rescue of 17 victims.
In a separate incident at Chohi Village, terrorists reportedly attempted to kidnap farmers working on their farmlands. Troops deployed to the area immediately and pursued the attackers along their escape route, resulting in the rescue of five farmers who were later reunited with their families.
The latest operations underscore the military’s ongoing efforts to weaken terrorist networks and improve security across the North-West region.