NAF Airstrikes Decimate Terrorist Camps in Borno, Kwara, Katsina as Governors Tackle Fresh Insecurity Across North

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified nationwide counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations, launching coordinated airstrikes that eliminated several Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Mallam Fatori and Shuwaram, Borno State.

NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said on Sunday that the precision operations were conducted under Operation Hadin Kai and Operation Fasan Yamma to dismantle insurgent and criminal networks in Nigeria’s northern region.

“In Borno, precision strikes destroyed ISWAP hideouts, logistics bases, and weapons depots after surveillance confirmed terrorists mobilising with motorcycles and boats along Lake Chad Basin,” Ejodame stated. “The missions resulted in multiple neutralisations and severely degraded ISWAP’s operational capability.”

Simultaneous strikes also targeted bandit enclaves in Garin Dandi and Chigogo, Kwara State, and Zango Hill in Kankara, Katsina State. NAF aircraft reportedly executed multiple attack passes, killing several terrorists and destroying key logistics hubs.

Ejodame described the coordinated missions as “a decisive phase” in the military’s effort to restore security across the North, affirming that the operations demonstrated NAF’s “renewed tempo, precision, and intelligence-driven airpower” under Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke’s directives.

Meanwhile, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), operatives of the Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), local hunters, and vigilantes, have launched special patrols around churches and forest border communities linking Kaduna and Niger states.

Police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh said the exercise, ordered by Commissioner of Police Miller Dantawaye, aims to “ensure worshippers’ safety during the ember months.” She added that church leaders were sensitised on proactive measures and urged to maintain contact with security agencies.

In Kano State, gunmen abducted four nursing mothers at Yan Kwada village in Shanono LGA, after throwing away their babies. The chairman of the community security committee, Yahaya Bagobiri, said five women were initially kidnapped, but one escaped. The attackers also stole 50 cows and other livestock.

“We alerted the security agents before the attack, but no help came until after the bandits struck around 9pm,” Bagobiri lamented, urging President Bola Tinubu and NSA Nuhu Ribadu to bolster security presence in the area.

In Nasarawa State, Governor Abdullahi Sule ordered a manhunt for gunmen who attacked Sarkin Noma community in Keana LGA. His aide, Peter Ahemba, said the governor vowed that “the perpetrators will be brought to justice,” adding that renewed violence in parts of the state will not derail ongoing peace efforts.

Similarly, Kebbi State Governor Dr. Nasir Idris insisted that “no inch of Kebbi is under the control of bandits,” saying insurgents now flee to neighbouring states after attacks. He commended President Tinubu’s continued support in the fight against banditry.

Also, over 100 militants were reportedly killed in a fierce clash between Boko Haram’s Jam’at Ahl as-Sunna lid-Da‘wa wa’l-Jihd (JAS) faction and ISWAP at Toumbun Gini, a border community in Abadam LGA, Borno State. Security sources said ISWAP fighters launched an offensive using ten boats but were ambushed by rival JAS members. Seven boats were seized while others fled with casualties.

“This conflict within the insurgent factions offers the military an opportunity to intensify coordinated offensives and deny both groups space to regroup,” a security source observed.

Meanwhile, the Progressive Governors Forum, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, has called on traditional rulers to invoke “local and spiritual powers” to complement government efforts against insecurity. Uzodimma made the appeal during a condolence visit to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago over recent tragedies.

He said, “President Bola Tinubu has taken bold steps against insecurity, but we must also harness our traditional powers to protect the nation.”

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