The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Saturday announced that one of its aircraft recorded a significant breakthrough in the fight against terrorism in Zamfara State, following successful precision airstrikes on a major bandit stronghold in Tsafe Local Government Area of the State.
The operation, carried out on November 14, 2025 by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, targeted the Sauri bandit camp — a high-ground hideout identified through extensive intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance efforts.
According to the Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the terrorists had been using the elevated location both as a defensive shelter and a logistics base, including for concealing rustled livestock.
The full statement reads: “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Air Component of the Joint Task Force of Operation FANSAN YAMMA has achieved a major operational breakthrough following precision air interdiction missions conducted on 14 November 2025 at the Sauri bandit camp in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The mission was undertaken after comprehensive intelligence and surveillance operations confirmed significant terrorist activity and rustled livestock concealed on a high-ground hideout used by the criminals as both a defensive position and a logistics hub.
“Acting on this intelligence, the Air Component executed multiple coordinated strike passes on the identified targets, achieving direct hits that dislodged surviving terrorists attempting to flee into surrounding vegetation, where they were subsequently tracked and effectively engaged.
“The successful mission resulted in the neutralisation of numerous terrorists and the destruction of critical structures and logistics points, significantly degrading the criminals’ operational capability in the area.
“This decisive action reinforces the commitment of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, who has consistently pledged that the NAF will “find them, hunt them down, and protect our people.”
“The operation underscores the unwavering resolve of the Joint Task Force and the NAF under Operation FANSAN YAMMA to deny terrorists safe havens, strengthen security in Zamfara State, and support wider national efforts to restore lasting peace and stability across the North West.
