The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded a significant operational success in Katsina State, following a precision airstrike that neutralised a large number of armed bandits in Faskari Local Government Area (LGA).
Sources involved in the mission told Akelicious that the operation, conducted in the early hours of February 1, targeted bandit hideouts in the Shawu–Mununu forest axis and the Ruwan Godiya area of Faskari LGA. The strikes followed sustained aerial reconnaissance that confirmed the presence of heavily armed groups 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.”
According to the sources, follow-up assessments revealed that surviving members of the group fled in disarray, abandoning their hideouts and supplies. The precision of the airstrikes reportedly weakened the group’s operational capability and disrupted their freedom of movement within the forested areas of southern Katsina.
“There will be no safe haven for criminals anywhere in this region,” a source emphasized.
The NAF has intensified aerial patrols and surveillance along the Faskari–Bakori–Guga axis to prevent regrouping and support ground forces in maintaining pressure on fleeing elements. The operation is part of a broader air-ground campaign aimed at dismantling bandit networks across Nigeria’s 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,” the source said, urging residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing credible information on criminal movements and hideouts.
“The safety of our people is our priority. With public support, we will continue to degrade and defeat all armed groups threatening peace and stability,” the source added.
