Air Force

By Sabiu Abdullahi

At least 23 suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have reportedly been killed in separate military air operations carried out in Borno State.

According to Zagazola Makama, a publication that reports on counter-insurgency activities in the Lake Chad region, the first operation took place at about 5:35 a.m. on Tuesday in the KLA Balia area of Marte Local Government Area after intelligence indicated the presence of suspected terrorists.

The publication reported that an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platform, codenamed “Guardian,” detected three vehicles concealed at different locations before identifying five suspected insurgents taking cover beneath a tree.

It stated that after the targets were positively identified, the drone launched a precision strike that killed the five visible suspects. The strike also triggered secondary explosions, which increased the estimated death toll to 15.

Zagazola Makama added that another strike intended to destroy the concealed vehicles did not succeed after a malfunction in the laser targeting system prevented accurate target designation.

Despite the technical setback, military sources quoted by the publication described the mission as successful. They said the operation inflicted significant casualties on the insurgents and disrupted their activities.

The publication also reported that surveillance of the area is continuing, while additional operations are expected to target surviving fighters and destroy the remaining vehicles.

In another operation, the publication said the air component of Operation HADIN KAI killed eight suspected ISWAP fighters during a night combat mission along the Bama-Maiduguri main supply route on July 22.

According to the report, the helicopter crew noticed muzzle flashes from a location that had previously been identified as an insurgent training ground. The crew then fired probing shots to confirm the presence of the suspected terrorists.

The report stated that the insurgents responded by opening fire on the aircraft. The military then carried out sustained aerial strikes that reportedly killed eight suspected fighters, while others escaped into nearby bushes.

The publication said the operation formed part of ongoing air offensives aimed at disrupting insurgent movements, dismantling training camps and improving security along strategic supply routes across the North-East.

By Uzair Adam

At least 23 suspected bandits were neutralised in a coordinated military operation after armed groups launched attacks on Shanono and Tsanyawa local government areas of Kano State between the night of January 1 and the early hours of January 2, 2026, according to the Nigerian Army.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Major Babatunde Zubairu, who said the operation involved joint task force troops on the ground and the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

According to the statement, troops successfully contained the attacks in Kano. They inflicted heavy casualties on the assailants before tracking the fleeing bandits to Karaduwa village in Matazu Local Government Area of neighbouring Katsina State. 

Acting on credible intelligence, the Air Component pursued the group as they attempted to regroup after escaping Kano.

The Army said intelligence reports revealed that the bandits were in the process of burying some of their members killed during the initial clashes when they were located at Dan Marke in Matazu LGA. 

Air Component Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA reportedly trailed their movement until several motorcycles converged after crossing a dry riverbed.

“A precision airstrike was immediately launched,” the statement said, noting that the operation was supported by aerial Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions. 

The strike, according to the Army, resulted in the neutralisation of at least 23 terrorists, while several others were believed to have sustained injuries. 

It also damaged the group’s weapons and other equipment.

Reacting to the operation’s outcome, the Commander of 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, commended both the air and ground troops for their exceptional courage. 

“Their bravery and resilience in the face of adversity are commendable,” he said.

The Army added that the security situation in Kano State remains calm, with troops sustaining robust patrols and close monitoring of flashpoints. 

It stated that troop morale and operational efficiency remain “very satisfactory.”

The Nigerian Army also appealed to the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information.

Such cooperation, it said, would further aid efforts to disrupt banditry and other terrorist activities.

Major Zubairu stressed that troops, working alongside other security agencies, remain committed to safeguarding lives and property nationwide and will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure national security.

By Uzair Adam Imam  

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has, in recent operations, made significant success against terrorist elements in Borno and Niger by dealing heavy blows to their infrastructure and mobility. 

According to AVM Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information for NAF, airstrikes carried out by the air components of Operations Hadin Kai and Whirl Punch have relentlessly targeted terrorist hideouts and disrupted their activities, thereby reducing their capacity to harm ground troops and civilians. 

In Borno, on May 3, airstrikes were authorised and executed over Chinene, located within the Mandara Mountain region, where terrorists were observed gathering for a meeting.  

The attack, targeting assembly areas and concealed weaponry, resulted in the destruction of seven gun trucks and numerous neutralised terrorists, as confirmed by the Battle Damage Assessment. 

Simultaneously, Operation Whirl Punch conducted pre-emptive strikes in Allawa village, near Shiroro town in Niger.  

This operation, prompted by credible intelligence indicating terrorist incursion following the evacuation of locals, aimed to thwart their presence and prevent further attacks.  

Terrorists, spotted wielding firearms, were effectively engaged upon arrival, with subsequent airstrikes targeting their arms cache hidden within Allawa Forest. 

Additionally, NAF conducted airstrikes in the Niger Delta region, specifically North of Arugbana and Temakiri, where illegal refining sites were detected and destroyed.  

This action not only curtails the capabilities of oil thieves but also mitigates the risk of pipeline sabotage and environmental damage. 

The coordinated efforts of NAF demonstrate a steadfast commitment to combating terrorism and securing vulnerable regions, underscoring the crucial role of air power in safeguarding national security.