Several members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been killed by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) during intensified counterterrorism and counter-banditry operations across the country.
The strikes targeted terrorist positions in Mallam Fatori and Shuwaram, Borno State, as well as bandit hideouts in Garin Dandi and Chigogo, Kwara State, and Zango Hill, Kankara, Katsina State.
According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, the operations on 9 November 2025 marked a decisive phase in ongoing joint campaigns under Operation HADIN KAI and Operation FANSAN YAMMA, aimed at dismantling terrorist and criminal networks in northern Nigeria.
“In Borno State, NAF air interdiction missions dealt a heavy blow to ISWAP elements entrenched in the Northern Tumbuns,” Ejodame said. “Guided by real-time Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) feeds, precision strikes destroyed insurgent hideouts, logistics hubs, and weapons caches, neutralising several terrorists and crippling their mobility.”
Kwara and Katsina operations
NAF aircraft simultaneously struck bandit camps in Garin Dandi and Chigogo, Kwara State, causing significant losses and panic among criminals. In Katsina State, air assets targeted Zango Hill, the hideout of a terrorist kingpin, destroying key logistics hubs and eliminating several fighters.
The statement also highlighted Armed Reconnaissance missions along the northwest corridor, covering settlements in Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna States, including Kakihum, Dankolo, Kotonkoro, and Kuyello. Aircrew engaged terrorists attempting to flee near Wam Hill, neutralising all hostile targets.
NAF said the operations reflect a renewed tempo following directives from the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, emphasizing intelligence-driven airpower to protect citizens and enhance national security.
The raids follow President Bola Tinubu’s pledge to intensify the fight against terrorism and criminality. The president stated: “The task ahead is immense. But we are resolved to move forward with unity and purpose, to defeat terrorism and build a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Nigeria.”
Air Marshal Aneke had recently instructed air component commanders to increase the intensity of strikes, stating: “We must fly smarter and strike harder; every mission must reflect professionalism, purpose, and patriotism.”
