Air Strikes Neutralise Scores of Terrorists in Niger State

By: Zagazola Makama

The Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA has recorded another major operational success following a series of intelligence-led air interdiction missions that disrupted the movement of terrorists and neutralised scores of them in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

The successful operations, conducted on June 29, 2026, were based on credible intelligence indicating the movement of over 200 terrorists mounted on motorcycles along the Sangeko–Dogon Dawa–Womba axis, with indications that the group was planning coordinated attacks and reinforcing criminal enclaves within the Kamuku Forest corridor.

In response, the Air Component immediately launched an Armed Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (AISR) mission using the military aircraft to conduct extensive aerial reconnaissance over Womba, Dogon Dawa, Kurugin, Birnin Gwari, Polewaya and Udawa.

During the mission, the aircrew positively identified a group of terrorists travelling on three motorcycles en route to the Kamuku Forest. Following positive target identification and in line with established Rules of Engagement, the aircraft engaged the hostile elements with precision munitions, successfully neutralising them.

Subsequent battle damage assessment and coordination with ground forces confirmed the elimination of the terrorists, while follow-on surveillance revealed no additional suspicious movement or emerging threats within the operational area.

In a separate but complementary mission conducted the same day, the aircraft carried out another armed reconnaissance over Dogon Dawa, Kurugin Maidawa and adjoining locations.

During the surveillance, several terrorists mounted on motorcycles were observed converging at a logistics and refuelling point, an indication of preparations for further movement and possible offensive operations.

Recognising the location as a critical terrorist logistics node, the aircrew executed a carefully coordinated precision strike, destroying the concentration and neutralising a significant number of the terrorists.

The operation was executed with exceptional precision, professionalism and adherence to operational procedures, with no reported collateral damage.