NAF Airstrikes Neutralize Terrorists in Niger State, Foil Planned Attacks Ahead of Eid

The Nigerian Air Force has carried out precision airstrikes in Rafi and Mariga Local Government Areas of Niger State, neutralizing several terrorists and disrupting planned attacks on communities ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

Under Operation Fansan Yamma, NAF fighter jets targeted terrorist hideouts and logistics positions in the two LGAs on Monday, dealing what the military described as a significant blow to insurgent capabilities in the northwest region.

According to a statement by the Air Force, the strikes were based on credible intelligence about planned terrorist activities targeting innocent civilians during the Eid-el-Kabir period. The operation successfully destroyed terrorist camps and eliminated several fighters.

Weapons and Equipment Destroyed

Battle damage assessment revealed that the airstrikes destroyed multiple terrorist facilities, including camps, weapons caches, and communication equipment. The exact number of terrorists neutralized is being verified through ground sources.

The NAF said the operation demonstrates its commitment to maintaining air dominance over terrorist-held areas and denying insurgents the freedom to plan and execute attacks on soft targets.

Residents of affected communities have expressed relief at the military intervention, saying the terrorists had been terrorizing the area for months with kidnappings, killings, and destruction of property.

Eid Security Operations

The airstrikes form part of broader security measures deployed across the country for the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. Security agencies have been placed on high alert following intelligence about potential attacks during the holiday period.

In Borno State, the government has restricted vehicular movement during the Eid celebrations as security agencies deploy massively. The FRSC has deployed 30,000 personnel for special patrols nationwide, and the military has assured residents of safety amid fears of Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks.

The Niger State operation comes as the military has intensified counter-terrorism efforts across the northwest and northcentral regions, where banditry and terrorist activities have claimed thousands of lives in recent years.

Sources: ThisDay, The Nation, Daily Post