Twenty-seven bandits were killed during Nigerian Air Force (NAF) jet strikes in their camps in Faskari Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State.
The “precision air operation,” conducted in the early hours of February 1, 2026 by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YANMA, targeted known bandit enclaves in the Shawu–Mununu forest axis, Ruwan Godiya area of Faskari LGA.
The “major operational success,” according to Zagazola Makama, neutralised a large number of armed bandits.
Sources involved in the mission confirmed that the strikes followed sustained aerial reconnaissance that confirmed the presence of heavily armed elements believed to be responsible for recent attacks along the Bakori–Guga corridor.
“At about 6:30 a.m., NAF air assets executed a coordinated reconnaissance and strike mission on identified bandit camps in the Shawu Mununu forest,” the sources said.
“The targets were strongly linked to recent violent incidents in the area. The operation achieved its objective, with approximately 27 armed bandits neutralised.”
The sources said follow-up assessments indicated that the surviving members of the group fled the area in disarray, abandoning their hideouts and logistics.
The sources added that the precision of the air strikes significantly degraded the group’s operational capability and disrupted their freedom of movement within the forested belt stretching across parts of southern Katsina.
“There will be no safe haven for criminals anywhere in this region,” he said.
The sources said that NAF has since intensified aerial patrols and surveillance along the Faskari–Bakori–Guga axis to prevent regrouping and to support ground forces in maintaining pressure on fleeing elements.
The sources further noted that the operation forms part of a broader, sustained air-ground campaign to dismantle bandit across the North-West.
“We remain committed to supporting national security objectives. Our air crews will continue to dominate the airspace, deny these groups sanctuary and protect law-abiding communities,” said the sources.
He also urged residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could help identify criminal movements and hideouts.
“The safety of our people is our priority. With the support of the public, we will continue to degrade and defeat all armed groups threatening peace and stability,” the sources said.
Written with reports from Zagazola Makama
