Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff (CAS), has detailed the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) achievements in combating criminal activities across the Northwest region through Operation Fansan Yamma.
During a Christmas dinner with personnel from Operation Fansan Yamma and 213 Forward Operating Base in Katsina, Air Vice Marshal E.E. Effiong, representing the CAS, described how joint operations with sister services and security agencies have diminished bandit groups’ operational capabilities in the region.
The campaign, he said, has yielded successes including the neutralisation of bandit leaders and their fighters, disruption of their financial networks, and the rescue of numerous kidnapping victims.
NAF said through extensive air interdiction and surveillance missions in bandit-controlled territories, it disrupted supply routes and restricted enemy movement.
“This year alone, the Air Component flew over 1,040 missions in 1,080 sorties, accumulating over 2,300 flying hours. These efforts have shaped the operating environment and weakened the adversary’s will to fight,” Effiong reported.
The CAS further acknowledged personal sacrifices of military personnel serving away from their families during the holiday season. He promised that their dedication would not go unrecognised.
He also reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to supporting its personnel’s welfare and expressed gratitude to key partners, including Major General O.O. Soyele, the Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force Northwest Operation Hadarin Daji, and the governors of Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto states for their continued cooperation.
The Katsina State Governor Mallam Dikko Umaru Radda, represented by his deputy Hon Faruk Lawal, praised the coordination among security forces in addressing the state’s security challenges.
According to him, the collaboration has successfully liberated numerous communities and contributed to the state’s economic recovery.
The governor pledged continued support for security forces to eliminate banditry and other criminal activities in the region.