NAF intensifies counter-terrorism efforts, eliminates key terrorist leaders

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has ramped up its counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, delivering a series of devastating airstrikes against terrorist strongholds across multiple States in January 2025.

These coordinated air and ground offensives have resulted in the elimination of high-profile insurgents, the destruction of terrorist hideouts, and the rescue of hostages.

One of the most significant operations, Operation KONAN DAJI, was launched on January 21 in response to deadly improvised explosive device (IED) attacks in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

The three-day air campaign neutralised over 70 terrorists, including three high-profile commanders, and disrupted critical terrorist logistics hubs.

NAF’s operations also dealt heavy blows to terrorist factions in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Niger states. On January 10, air-ground coordination at Fakai Hills in Zamfara weakened Kachallah Bello Turji’s faction, killing dozens of fighters. Another precision strike on January 17 at the same location resulted in the elimination of 44 terrorists, the arrest of 27 suspects, and the rescue of 16 hostages.

According to NAF, by January 19, sustained military pressure forced two notorious terrorist leaders, Abu Radde and Umar Black, to surrender in Katsina State. Further operations between January 20 and 21 led to the elimination of Aminu Kanawa.

“Turji’s second-in-command, his younger brother Dosso, and several key lieutenants. More than 24 fleeing terrorists were also neutralised across multiple states.” it added.

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Speaking at the NAF Administration Personnel Seminar, Hasan Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to national security.

“Our airpower capabilities continue to extend the long arm of justice to terrorists and criminals, ensuring that no hiding place remains for those who seek to destabilize our nation,” he stated.

He said in addition to combat operations, NAF also achieved a major milestone in aviation engineering by reactivating a Dornier DO-228 aircraft that had been grounded for 23 years.

“A team of five engineering officers and 40 technicians restored the aircraft, now redesignated NAF-039, enhancing the Air Force’s operational capability”, Abubakar added.

Despite these successes, concerns emerged over reports of civilian casualties in Zamfara State during airstrikes. In response, the Chief of the Air Staff ordered a fact-finding mission, emphasizing that “the NAF values the life of every Nigerian and remains committed to professional conduct in operations.”

NAF, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and Navy, said it will continue to maintain pressure on terrorist factions nationwide.

“With key leaders either neutralized, captured, or on the run, the military is resolute in their mission to eradicate terrorism and restore peace across the country”, Abubakar noted.