NAF Airstrikes Kill Scores of Terrorists in Niger

Kehinde Fajobi

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has killed scores of suspected terrorists in a series of airstrikes on Alawa Forest in Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State.

The operation, part of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, aims to eliminate terrorists across the Northwest and North Central regions.

Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Olusola Akinboyewa, NAF’s Director of Information and Public Relations, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

He said the airstrikes, conducted on 21 January 2025, targeted a terrorist enclave and dismantled their logistics base.

“This operation was based on credible intelligence and follow-up aerial surveillance, which indicated an influx of armed terrorists into the forest,” Akinboyewa said.

“These criminals were linked to widespread violence, including two Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks on 19 December 2024 in Bassa, Shiroro LGA, which claimed several innocent lives.”

The air component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA launched a three-day air offensive, code-named KONAN DAJI, to weaken the terrorists’ capacity and make the forest inhabitable for them.

“To this end, a formation of fighter aircraft carried out precision strikes on identified targets, neutralising numerous armed fighters and destroying their logistics base.

“Multiple secondary explosions confirmed the success of the strikes,” the statement added.

Akinboyewa emphasised NAF’s commitment to working closely with ground forces to maintain operational dominance in the region.

“Sustained efforts are underway to eliminate all criminal elements from Alawa Forest and surrounding areas, ensuring lasting peace and security for communities in Niger State and beyond,” he said.