By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded a major operational breakthrough in its sustained offensive against armed banditry in the North-West, following two high-impact precision air strikes that destroyed an improvised explosive device (IED) hub and neutralised several bandits in Zamfara State.
The coordinated operations were executed on 28 December 2025 by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Sector 2, targeting Turba Hill and the notorious camp of Kachalla Dogo Sule, both located in Tsafe Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Service disclosed that the air strikes were conducted based on credible, multi-source intelligence that confirmed the locations as active bandit enclaves.
According to the statement, the first air interdiction mission focused on Turba Hill, a confirmed bandit hideout that had shown sustained human activity. Persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions identified an operational zinc-roofed structure believed to be central to the enclave’s operations. Following positive identification, NAF air assets engaged the target with precision. Post-strike battle damage assessment confirmed a direct hit, leading to the complete destruction of the structure and the neutralisation of several bandits.
The second operation targeted Kachalla Dogo Sule’s Camp, described as a notorious bandit stronghold and a major hub for IED manufacturing and coordination of attacks. Intelligence reports had linked the camp to the planning and execution of recent IED incidents along the Dan Sadau–Magami axis. The precision strike successfully hit multiple active structures within the enclave, triggering intense fires that destroyed the facilities and neutralised several bandits, thereby crippling the group’s ability to produce and deploy improvised explosive devices.
The Nigerian Air Force said the successful air strikes have significantly degraded the operational capability of bandit networks in Zamfara State, particularly their capacity to manufacture and employ IEDs against both security forces and civilians.
The Service reaffirmed its unwavering commitment, in close coordination with other components of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, to deny criminal elements safe havens, degrade their combat effectiveness and support ongoing joint operations aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across Zamfara State, the wider North-West region and the country at large.
