The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) intensified its counterterrorism operations over the weekend, launching coordinated, intelligence-driven airstrikes that eliminated scores of ISWAP fighters and destroyed multiple terrorist hideouts. The operations came shortly after the assumption of office by the new Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, who has vowed to sustain aggressive air campaigns against insurgents nationwide.
According to NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, precision strikes were conducted around the Lake Chad region in Borno State, targeting insurgents gathering at Shuwaram and Mallam Fatori. The airstrikes destroyed weapons storage points, logistics hubs, and mobility assets, leaving several terrorists neutralised and significantly weakening ISWAP’s operational networks.
Similar air interdiction missions were carried out in Garin Dandi and Chigogo areas of Kwara State as well as Zango Hill in Katsina. The strikes, guided by credible intelligence, led to the destruction of bandit camps and the elimination of a number of their fighters. Ejodame described the operations as some of the most decisive against terrorists in recent times in the Northwest.
As part of ongoing efforts to maintain pressure, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted armed reconnaissance across key settlements in Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna States. During the mission, aircrews intercepted terrorists attempting to flee on motorcycles near Wam Hill and neutralised them. NAF credited the success of the operations to the strategic directives of Air Marshal Aneke and reaffirmed its commitment to smarter, intelligence-led airpower.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has directed the six regional development commissions to collaborate more closely with federal and state authorities on security matters. Minister of Regional Development Abubakar Momoh said the commissions must support ongoing efforts to curb insecurity, citing recent state-led interventions on major highways as examples of the cooperation needed.
In separate engagements, the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and prioritising infrastructure renewal. Led by its chairman, Governor Hope Uzodimma, the forum paid a sympathy visit to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, whose state has recently suffered multiple tragedies including floods and explosions. The governors urged all tiers of government to adopt preventive measures to avert similar occurrences.
In another development, fierce clashes erupted between Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters near Dogon Chiku on the shores of Lake Chad. At least 200 ISWAP militants were reportedly killed as both factions battled for territorial dominance. Sources, including a former Boko Haram member now monitoring jihadist movements, confirmed the heavy casualty toll, describing the confrontation as one of the deadliest between the rival groups since their 2016 split.
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