By Charles Pemu 
ABUJA—The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its counter-terrorism and counter-banditry operations nationwide, confirming a series of precision airstrikes that neutralized scores of Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists and destroyed bandit enclaves across Borno, Kwara, and Katsina states.
The successful, coordinated missions, executed on November 9, 2025, represent a decisive phase in ongoing joint operations, according to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information.
Precision Strikes Decimate Terrorist Hubs
Borno State: Air interdiction missions guided by real-time intelligence struck ISWAP elements mobilizing with motorcycles and boats along the Lake Chad Basin, specifically south-east of Shuwaram and at Mallam Fatori. The strikes destroyed hideouts, logistics hubs, and weapons storage facilities, significantly degrading ISWAP’s operational networks.
Kwara/Katsina States: NAF air assets conducted precision strikes on bandit camps in Garin Dandi and Chigogo (Kwara State). Separately, assets under Operation Fasan Yamma struck Zango Hill in Kankara LGA, Katsina State, a hideout for a key terrorist kingpin, neutralizing several fighters and destroying logistics hubs.
North-West Corridor: Armed reconnaissance missions across Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna states engaged and neutralized terrorists on motorcycles near Wam Hill, along the Birnin Gwari–Funtua axis.
Air Commodore Ejodame stated that the renewed tempo underscores the NAF’s resolve to project “smarter and intelligence-driven airpower to project purposeful lethality against insurgents and criminals.”
Security Incidents and Political Reactions
The military success comes amidst mixed security reports and political statements across the North:
| Incident/Development | Location | Details |
| Boko Haram Factional Clash | Toumbun Gini, Borno | Over 100 victims killed in a deadly clash between JAS (Boko Haram) and ISWAP fighters over control of an island community. |
| Abduction of Nursing Mothers | Shanono LGA, Kano | Bandits kidnapped at least four nursing mothers at Yan Kwada village, throwing away their babies before taking the women. |
| FCT/Border Patrols | Bwari (FCT, Kaduna, Niger borders) | FCT Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit, DSS, hunters, and vigilantes commenced special church patrols in forests and border communities to ensure the safety of worshippers. |
| Nasarawa Manhunt | Keana LGA | Governor Abdullahi Sule ordered a manhunt for gunmen who carried out a midnight attack on Sarkin Noma community, vowing immediate justice. |
| Kebbi Governor’s Claim | Birnin-Kebbi | Governor Dr. Nasir Idris boasted that “no inch” of Kebbi State territory is under the occupation of armed bandits, claiming insurgents attack and retreat to neighboring states like Zamfara. |
| APC Govs’ Appeal | Minna, Niger State | APC Governors Forum Chairman, Governor Hope Uzodimma, urged traditional rulers nationwide to “consult and invoke local and spiritual powers” to wage a total war against insecurity. |
Meanwhile, at a security summit in Birnin-Kebbi, the Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar III, described insurgents as monsters requiring unity to eradicate. Former Chief of Army Staff, General Abdurahman Danbazau, attributed the escalation of insecurity to poverty and poor education, and chided the US for branding Nigeria a country of particular concern, suggesting foreign powers are eyeing the North’s mineral deposits.