In a significant blow to criminal elements in the North-West, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has conducted precision airstrikes that destroyed a major Improvised Explosive Device (IED) production centre and a bandit hideout in Zamfara State.
Precision Strikes Target Key Bandit Facilities
The air operations were executed on December 28, 2025, in Tsafe Local Government Area. According to a statement released on Monday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF air assets were deployed based on credible intelligence from multiple sources.
The first strike targeted Kachalla Dogo Sule’s Camp, a notorious stronghold identified as a primary hub for manufacturing and planning IED attacks. Intelligence reports had linked this camp to recent IED incidents along the Dan Sadau–Magami axis.
Destruction of IED Capability and Hideout
"The precision strike successfully engaged multiple active structures within the enclave, triggering intense fires that destroyed the facilities and neutralised several bandits, effectively crippling the group’s IED production and deployment capability," Ejodame stated.
The second mission focused on Turba Hill, a confirmed bandit hideout. Persistent surveillance revealed significant human activity and a key zinc-roofed structure central to the enclave's operations. This target was also engaged with precision, resulting in a direct hit. A post-strike assessment confirmed the structure's destruction and the neutralisation of several bandits.
A Sustained Offensive for Lasting Peace
These decisive strikes were carried out under the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma, Sector 2, as part of sustained efforts against armed banditry in Zamfara. Ejodame emphasised that the operations represent a major degradation of bandit networks, specifically their ability to make and use IEDs.
The spokesperson reaffirmed NAF's commitment, in coordination with other components of OPFY, to deny criminals safe havens, degrade their combat strength, and support joint efforts to restore peace across the North-West and Nigeria.
This action follows a similar precision air interdiction mission executed two weeks prior, on December 14, 2025, at Dabar Masara in the Southern Tumbuns–Lake Islands axis, which destroyed terrorist logistics and neutralised several fighters.
