The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has eliminated more than 35 terrorists near the Nigeria–Cameroon border and rescued 76 abductees, including children, during coordinated operations across the country.
Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the strikes were part of intensified efforts under Operation Hadin Kai to weaken terrorist strongholds in the North East.
He explained that the air raids, conducted in the early hours of Saturday, targeted terrorists gathered near Kumshe to launch attacks on ground troops.
“Acting on multiple intelligence reports, the Air Component executed precision strikes in successive passes, neutralising more than 35 fighters at four identified assembly points,” Ejodame said, adding that ground troops later confirmed the area had been stabilised.
In a separate operation, NAF fighter jets, in collaboration with other security agencies, struck a notorious bandit enclave in Pauwa Hill, Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The strike, conducted Friday evening, led to the rescue of 76 abductees, many of them children, who were taken during a recent attack on Gidan Mantau in Malumfashi.
Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, confirmed the development, noting that all the kidnapped victims were freed, although one child died during captivity.
He disclosed that the camp targeted belonged to a notorious bandit leader identified as Babaro, who is linked to several recent attacks in the state.
Mu’azu commended the precision of the strikes and assured that the government would continue to support security agencies with intelligence and logistics.
“This operation is part of a broader strategy to dismantle criminal hideouts and restore lasting peace to Katsina,” he said.