NAF Airstrikes Devastate Terrorists in Borno, Katsina, and Kwara as 200 ISWAP Fighters Die in Fierce Clash

Nigerian Air Force jets launched a series of devastating air raids over the weekend, eliminating scores of terrorists and crippling their logistics in Borno, Katsina, and Kwara states. The coordinated strikes, ordered by the newly inaugurated Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, targeted strongholds of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other criminal groups.

In Borno State, air assets bombarded ISWAP positions around the Lake Chad Basin, destroying weapon caches and boats used for attacks. According to NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the precision strikes southeast of Shuwaram and later at Mallam Fatori “neutralised several terrorists and degraded their operational network.” Post-strike assessments confirmed that the strikes disrupted ISWAP’s mobility and command structures.

Simultaneously, fighter jets carried out interdiction missions in Kwara State, pounding bandit enclaves in Garin Dandi and Chigogo with “devastating accuracy.” The operation, based on intelligence reports, left several terrorists dead and their camps destroyed. In Katsina, under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, another series of air assaults hit Zango Hill in Kankara Local Government Area, killing a notorious terrorist leader and his men. NAF described the attack as one of its most decisive blows against bandits in the Northwest.

Reconnaissance missions across Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna states identified suspicious movements along the Birnin Gwari–Funtua corridor. Aircrew engaged the targets near Wam Hill, wiping out terrorists attempting to flee. NAF credited the success of these operations to the leadership of Air Marshal Aneke, reaffirming its commitment to intelligence-led, precision airpower in safeguarding citizens and restoring stability.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has directed all regional development commissions to integrate security efforts into their core mandates. Minister of Regional Development Abubakar Momoh said the commissions will now collaborate directly with state governments to tackle insecurity, noting that such coordination is essential for sustainable development.

The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), meeting in Minna, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for overhauling the nation’s security framework. Led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, the governors praised the President’s focus on security, infrastructure renewal, and human capital development. During a sympathy visit to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, the forum expressed solidarity following recent disasters in the state and urged all tiers of government to adopt preventive measures against future tragedies.

In a separate development, renewed infighting between Boko Haram and ISWAP claimed over 200 lives near Dogon Chiku on the shores of Lake Chad. Local security sources said the fierce battle erupted as both factions fought for territorial control. Boko Haram reportedly lost four fighters, while ISWAP suffered heavy casualties and lost a cache of weapons. Observers described it as one of the bloodiest clashes between the rival extremist groups since their split in 2016.