Nigerian Air Force (NAF), operating under the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Sector 2, has carried out coordinated airstrikes on two major bandit camps in Zamfara State, neutralising scores of criminals and destroying an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) manufacturing hub.
The strikes, executed on Monday, formed part of the sustained offensive against armed banditry in the North-West, according to a statement shared via the 8 Division media platform.
The statement disclosed that two high-impact precision Air Interdiction (AI) missions were conducted on 28 December 2025, targeting Turba Hill and the camp of notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Dogo Sule, both located in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Military authorities described the operation as a major success.
Providing details of the operation, the statement said:
> “Acting on credible, multi-source intelligence, NAF air assets were deployed against bandit enclaves at the identified locations.
“The first strike targeted Turba Hill, a confirmed bandit hideout. Persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance revealed significant human activity and an operational zinc-roofed structure assessed to be central to the enclave’s activities. Following positive identification, the target was engaged with precision, resulting in a direct hit. Post-strike battle damage assessment confirmed the complete destruction of the structure and the neutralisation of several bandits.
> “The second AI mission was conducted at Kachalla Dogo Sule’s Camp, a notorious bandit stronghold identified as a key IED manufacturing and operational hub. Intelligence had linked the camp to the planning and execution of recent IED attacks along the Dan Sadau–Magami axis. 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”.
The Air Force further noted that the operation dealt a heavy blow to bandit networks in the state, particularly their ability to produce and deploy explosive devices.
The statement added:
> “These decisive air strikes represent a significant degradation of bandit networks operating in Zamfara State, particularly their capacity to manufacture and employ improvised explosive devices.
“The operations reaffirm the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering commitment, working in close coordination with other components of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, to deny criminal elements safe havens, degrade their combat effectiveness, and support ongoing joint efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the North-West and the nation at large”.
The latest air offensive comes against the backdrop of recent deadly attacks along the Sokoto–Zamfara highway, where commuters were thrown into panic following the detonation of two IEDs that claimed the lives of no fewer than eight people.
