NAF Airstrikes Eliminate Terrorists In Zamfara And Kebbi

‎In a decisive operation, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) under Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted a series of precision airstrikes on July 9, 2025, targeting a large convoy of armed bandits along the Kebbi-Zamfara axis, neutralizing scores of fighters and disrupting planned attacks on local communities.
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‎The operation, centered near Yarbuga in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, underscores the military’s ongoing efforts to curb banditry and restore security in Nigeria’s northwest.
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‎According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, the airstrikes were launched based on real-time intelligence that revealed the movement of approximately 150 motorcycles, each carrying at least two armed terrorists.
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‎The convoy was reportedly en route to carry out large-scale attacks in parts of Zamfara and Kebbi states.
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‎“After positive identification confirmed the hostile presence, NAF aircraft engaged the convoy with devastating accuracy,” Ejodame stated in a press release on July 10.
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‎Survivors attempting to flee on foot or motorcycles were tracked and targeted in follow-up strikes, effectively disrupting their escape routes.
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‎The operation’s success was further confirmed on July 10 when ground troops conducted a follow-up mission to Yarbuga village. At the scene, they recovered the remains of numerous terrorists, their weapons, and several charred motorcycles, indicating the significant impact of the airstrikes.
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‎The joint air-ground operation dealt a major blow to bandit networks in the region, which have long terrorized communities through kidnappings, cattle rustling, and violent raids.
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‎The Kebbi-Zamfara corridor has been a notorious route for bandits fleeing security pressure or regrouping across state lines, making it a strategic target for the NAF.
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‎This operation follows a pattern of intensified military efforts in Nigeria’s northwest, where banditry has displaced thousands and disrupted livelihoods.
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‎Earlier incidents, such as a June 2025 airstrike in Zamfara that killed at least 20 civilians, including vigilantes, have raised concerns about the accuracy of such operations.
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‎Amnesty International and local residents have called for investigations into past strikes to prevent unintended casualties, highlighting the challenge of distinguishing bandits from local vigilantes or civilians.
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‎The NAF has reiterated its commitment to minimizing civilian harm, with Ejodame emphasizing that the July 9 operation was carefully planned to target only confirmed hostiles.
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‎The Zamfara Central Integrity Forum and local residents have expressed relief at the disruption of bandit activities, noting that the airstrikes have instilled fear in criminal networks and provided hope for communities long plagued by insecurity.
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‎The Nigerian Air Force has pledged to continue supporting ground operations and denying terrorists freedom of action. “This joint air-ground operation underscores the NAF’s unwavering commitment to protecting civilian lives and ensuring lasting peace across the country,” Ejodame said.
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‎Further updates on Operation FANSAN YAMMA are expected as the military intensifies its campaign in the northwest.
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‎Authorities are urged to balance aggressive counterterrorism measures with efforts to protect civilians and rebuild trust in affected communities.
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