NAF airstrike destroys terrorists hideout in Katsina

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has carried out a precision airstrike on a terrorist enclave in Katsina State, destroying a key hideout and neutralising several fighters.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Ehimen Ejodame, said the operation was conducted on May 1 under the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma.

He explained that the strike targeted a location within the Dan-Aji Forest in Faskari Local Government Area, identified as a logistics hub linked to a suspected terrorist kingpin, Abasu Aiki, and his network operating across the Faskari, Kankara and Funtua axis.

According to Ejodame, intelligence reports had indicated renewed terrorist activity in the area, prompting the air operation.

“Air assets identified armed terrorists on motorcycles and other fighters within the enclave and executed a coordinated strike,” he said, adding that battle damage assessments confirmed the destruction of the hideout and the neutralisation of several fighters.

He noted that the strike triggered explosions and fires, significantly degrading the group’s operational capacity and disrupting its movement and resupply channels.

Ejodame said the operation reflects the Air Force’s continued efforts to deny terrorists safe havens and dismantle their operational networks.