The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has dealt a heavy blow to terrorist and bandit groups across northern Nigeria, killing scores of militants in a series of precision airstrikes. The operations targeted strongholds in Borno, Kwara, Katsina, Zamfara, and Kaduna States.

In a statement on Monday, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, said the strikes were carried out as part of intensified counterterrorism and counter-banditry operations under Operation HADIN KAI and Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

“The coordinated missions, executed on 9 November, represent a decisive phase in our ongoing effort to degrade terrorist and criminal networks across the northern region,” Mr. Ejodame said.

He disclosed that the precision airstrikes focused on key enclaves in Mallam Fatori and Shuwaram in Borno State, based on credible intelligence and surveillance reports. The strikes were aimed specifically at the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other armed groups operating in the region.

The NAF official emphasized that the operations are part of a broader strategy to restore security in northern Nigeria and ensure the safety of civilians.

“These operations demonstrate the Nigerian Air Force’s capability to conduct surgical airstrikes with minimal risk to innocent civilians, while delivering a significant impact on terrorist and bandit networks,” he added.

Security analysts say the strikes are likely to disrupt the operational capacity of ISWAP and other criminal groups, which have in recent months intensified attacks in parts of Borno, Zamfara, and Kaduna States.

The Nigerian Air Force has vowed to sustain the momentum, maintaining regular surveillance and intelligence-gathering missions to prevent a resurgence of terrorist activities in the region.