By Nkechi Eze
In a decisive and coordinated air interdiction mission, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on 31st May 2025 successfully neutralised more than 20 armed terrorists and destroyed over 21 motorcycles during a high-impact airstrike conducted in Zamfara State, dealing a heavy blow to criminal elements terrorising the region.
The operation, which was carried out in the general area south of Mai-Galma in Maru Local Government Area, was part of an urgent response to intelligence reports indicating that a large contingent of terrorists was assembling for a coordinated assault on nearby vulnerable communities. The swift response by the Air Force is said to have averted what could have been a deadly large-scale attack on innocent civilians.
According to an official signed statement by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, the intelligence revealed that the armed bandits had already killed several farmers and abducted multiple civilians, including women and children. The situation prompted the immediate deployment of NAF aircraft under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, tasked with conducting armed reconnaissance and, if possible, initiating a rescue operation to intercept the terrorists before they reached their target.
On arrival at the designated area, the NAF surveillance team identified over 30 motorcycles carrying heavily armed terrorists advancing toward a forested region believed to be a base of operations. The statement noted that the terrorists, upon sighting the aircraft, opened fire in a desperate attempt to evade detection. However, NAF pilots engaged them with precision strikes, leading to the destruction of numerous motorcycles and the killing of dozens of the fighters.
“Ground forces were immediately mobilised to conduct a follow-up exploitation of the area. They confirmed the destruction of terrorist logistics and the neutralisation of over 20 of the criminals,” the statement said.
Despite the tactical success of the operation, the military expressed sorrow over the loss of two local vigilantes who died during the exchange of fire, while two others sustained injuries. The NAF described the vigilantes as “brave patriots” who paid the ultimate price in the collective effort to restore peace in the region.
“The Nigerian Air Force deeply regrets the loss of these gallant vigilantes and extends its condolences to their families and the community. We remain resolute in working alongside local groups to ensure the protection of lives and property,” Air Commodore Ejodame stated.
Search and rescue efforts are currently underway to locate and free the abducted villagers, who were reportedly taken deep into the surrounding forest areas by the retreating terrorists. The NAF is also collaborating closely with ground troops and local informants to track the movement of the fleeing criminals and dismantle their operational networks.
Reaffirming its operational principles, the NAF emphasised that all missions are conducted in line with internationally accepted rules of engagement and the Nigerian Air Force Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMRAP). The plan, the statement noted, places a premium on the safety of non-combatants, even during high-risk engagements in volatile environments.
“As investigations continue, the NAF assures the public that all necessary measures are taken to protect civilians while intensifying pressure on criminal elements threatening peace in the region,” the statement added.
This latest offensive marks another major milestone in the Nigerian Air Force’s continuing efforts to combat banditry and terrorism in the North West. The successful neutralisation of the terrorists and the destruction of their logistics further underscore the operational capacity and readiness of the NAF to respond rapidly to emerging threats across Nigeria’s conflict zones.
