The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its nationwide counter-terrorism and anti-banditry campaign with a series of precision airstrikes that neutralized dozens of insurgents and destroyed several hideouts across Borno, Kwara, and Katsina states, among others.
According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, the operations—conducted on November 9, 2025—were part of Operations Hadin Kai and Fasan Yamma, targeting ISWAP and other armed groups across Nigeria’s northern region.
“The coordinated missions dealt heavy blows to ISWAP terrorists entrenched in the Northern Tumbuns of Borno State, as well as bandit camps in Garin Dandi and Chigogo in Kwara, and Zango Hill in Katsina,” Ejodame said.
Guided by real-time intelligence and surveillance, NAF fighter jets struck terrorist strongholds around Shuwaram and Mallam Fatori, destroying logistics hubs and weapons depots while neutralizing several insurgents.
In Kwara State, multiple airstrikes hit bandit enclaves in Garin Dandi and Chigogo, inflicting “devastating losses,” while similar strikes in Katsina’s Kankara LGA eliminated key terrorist leaders and dismantled supply routes.
“These missions reaffirm NAF’s resolve to deploy intelligence-driven air power to protect citizens and degrade terrorist networks,” Ejodame added.
Police, DSS Launch Joint Patrols Around Churches, Forest Borders
In a related effort, operatives of the FCT Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit, alongside the DSS, local hunters, and vigilantes, have begun special patrols of worship centres and border communities linking Kaduna and Niger states.
Spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh said the operation aims to reassure residents, deter criminal activity, and ensure worshippers’ safety during the festive season.
“Church leaders were sensitized on security precautions, including avoiding late-night activities and promptly reporting suspicious persons,” Adeh said.
Kano: Bandits Abduct Four Nursing Mothers
Meanwhile, tragedy struck in Yan Kwada village, Faruruwa community of Shanono LGA, Kano State, where bandits abducted four nursing mothers, throwing away their babies before fleeing.
The community’s security chairman, Yahaya Bagobiri, confirmed the attack, lamenting that despite prior alerts, the criminals invaded around 9 p.m., looted livestock, and abducted the women.
“We continue to face attacks almost daily despite military presence,” Bagobiri said, appealing to President Bola Tinubu and NSA Nuhu Ribadu for urgent intervention.
Nasarawa: Gov Sule Orders Manhunt After Midnight Attack
In Nasarawa State, Governor Abdullahi Sule ordered a manhunt for gunmen who launched a midnight attack on Sarkin Noma community in Keana LGA.
His spokesperson, Peter Ahemba, described the assault as an attempt to destabilize the state, adding that security agencies have been directed to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators.
“The government will not allow enemies of peace to derail the relative calm achieved since 2019,” Ahemba said.
Kebbi: No Territory Under Bandits’ Control — Gov Idris
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has declared that no part of the state is under the control of bandits. Speaking at a security summit organized by the Arewa Media Practitioners Forum in Birnin Kebbi, he praised the military for keeping insurgents at bay.
He also thanked President Tinubu for his “unwavering support” in combating insecurity nationwide.
At the summit, Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, urged unity among Nigerians to defeat terrorism, while former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Abdurahman Dambazau (rtd.), identified poverty and weak governance as root causes of insecurity.
Borno: Over 100 Killed as Boko Haram, ISWAP Factions Clash
More than 100 insurgents were reportedly killed in violent clashes between Boko Haram’s JAS faction and ISWAP at Toumbun Gini, an island community in Abadam LGA, Borno State.
Security sources said ISWAP fighters attempted to seize the island using 10 boats but were ambushed by JAS militants, who captured seven vessels and killed over 50 fighters.
“The fighting presents an opportunity for Nigerian forces to tighten control along Lake Chad and deny both factions space to regroup,” one military source said.
APC Governors Urge Traditional Rulers to Invoke Spiritual Powers Against Insecurity
Meanwhile, the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) has urged traditional rulers to invoke ancestral and spiritual powers to combat insecurity.
Chairman of the Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, made the call during a condolence visit to Governor Mohammed Umar Bago in Minna, Niger State.
“President Tinubu has taken bold steps, but we must also seek local and spiritual support to secure our communities,” Uzodimma said.
The delegation also commiserated with the Niger State government over recent floods, boat mishaps, and attacks, pledging solidarity and support.
Leave a Reply