Nigeria Air Force's Operation Fansan Yamma Kills Several Terrorists In Zamfara, Kebbi State

Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Olusola Akinboyewa on Sunday announced that several terrorists, who had a stronghold in Zamfara and Kebbi State, were killed as part of an operation named Fansan Yamma.

Air commodore Akinboyewa explained that the air campaign, also known as Operation Farautar Mujiya, started on Nov. 8 with a series of intense air missions, Premium Times reported.

With the help of advanced surveillance and precise targeting, NAF forces carried out a surprise airstrike on several camps, including an important one in Zamfara near the Kebbi border and Ado Aleiro's well-protected area near Asola Hill in Tsafe Local Government Area.

The strikes destroyed a major weapons depot belonging to the notorious bandit leader, Ado Aleiro, and killed many of his fighters. These bombings caused massive damage to the criminal groups, severely weakening their ability to operate.

Reports and damage assessments confirmed the strikes were very effective, with a lasting impact felt throughout the night. However, the exact number of terrorists killed was not revealed.

Akinboyewa said that several people who had been kidnapped by the terrorists were able to escape during the chaos and make their way to safety in Kebbi State. He explained that some of the escapees shared their stories, describing how they managed to flee.

He added that the air campaign had frightened the terrorists, while giving hope to residents who had been living in fear of banditry.

Akinboyewa further said these operations showed how the NAF was becoming more flexible and stronger, and they highlighted the Nigerian Armed Forces' ongoing commitment to bringing peace and security back to the country.

Last month, the Federal Executive Council approved a loan of about $618 million from a group of lenders to buy six fighter aircraft and ammunition for the NAF.

In September, NAF announced that its Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch killed at least 28 terrorists in strikes on Bassa, Shiroro Local Government Area in Niger State. Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF Kabiru Ali said that the mission targeted terrorists in Bassa after friendly forces in the area requested air support.

Even earlier this year, the forces killed several terrorists in different areas of Borno between Jan. 2 and Jan. 6.