NAF jets in Gusau as Zamfara boosts military hardware to tackle banditry

Nigeria’s counter-insurgency campaign in the North-West has received a significant boost as Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets touched down at the newly operational Gusau International Airport, marking a decisive step in efforts to curb escalating bandit attacks in Zamfara and neighbouring Kebbi State.

The development came amid a fresh wave of violence across rural communities in both states, where armed groups have intensified raids, abductions, and attacks on farming settlements, worsening insecurity and displacing residents.

The landing of the fighter jets on Tuesday—just weeks after the official flag-off of commercial flight operations at the airport—highlights the rapid transformation of the facility into a dual-purpose hub supporting both civilian travel and military operations.

Governor Dauda Lawal, who witnessed the historic landing, described it as a major milestone in strengthening Zamfara’s security architecture, stressing that the state’s investment in critical infrastructure is already yielding results.

“This is a significant moment for Zamfara. The presence of these aircraft will enhance rapid response and improve intelligence gathering across flashpoints,” he said.

The deployment also comes against the backdrop of recent investments by the Zamfara State Government in military hardware and logistics support aimed at complementing federal security efforts.

These include the procurement of operational vehicles, communication equipment, and other tactical support assets for security agencies to improve mobility and coordination in difficult terrains.

Officials say the State has increasingly prioritised security spending, recognising that the fight against banditry requires not only federal intervention but also localised support to strengthen operational capacity on the ground.

In recent weeks, communities in Anka, Maru, and Bukkuyum local government areas of Zamfara have witnessed coordinated attacks, while parts of Kebbi—particularly border settlements—have recorded similar incursions by armed groups exploiting forest corridors to evade security forces.

Security experts note that the operationalisation of the Gusau Airport provides the NAF with a strategic forward operating base, significantly reducing response time to distress calls and enabling sustained aerial surveillance over the Zamfara-Kebbi axis, long considered a stronghold for bandits.

The landing—the first of its kind at the airport—underscores growing civil-military collaboration, with state-backed infrastructure now directly supporting national security operations. It also aligns with the Air Force’s strategy of decentralising air assets to volatile regions to enhance reach and mission effectiveness.

Commenting on the development, Executive Director of Frontier for Peace Advocacy and Governance Initiative (FPAGI), Mercy Musa, said the deployment would strengthen Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations.

“The deployment will allow for real-time tracking of bandit movements and enable precision strikes on identified hideouts. The presence of fighter jets will also provide aerial cover for ground troops engaged in clearance operations,” she said.

The proximity of the airport to flashpoints in Zamfara and Kebbi is seen as a critical advantage in disrupting the mobility of criminal networks that frequently move across state boundaries to launch attacks before retreating into forest enclaves.
Analysts believe that the combination of enhanced air power and the State government’s investment in security hardware could alter the dynamics of the conflict, particularly if sustained and supported by credible intelligence and inter-agency coordination.

The initiative forms part of broader multi-agency efforts involving the military, police, and other security services to intensify pressure on armed groups, reclaim affected communities, and restore normalcy across the region.

For residents, especially farmers who have borne the brunt of repeated attacks, the developments offer renewed hope. Many have been forced to abandon farmlands, raising concerns over livelihoods and food security.

With Gusau International Airport now emerging as both an economic gateway and a strategic military asset, stakeholders believe its role will be central to ongoing operations in the North-West.

As security operations intensify, attention will be on how effectively the combined investments in infrastructure and military hardware translate into improved safety and a gradual return to peace in Zamfara, Kebbi, and beyond.