The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has killed scores of suspected terrorists hiding in Alawa Forest, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, in a series of airstrikes. The operation was part of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, a special offensive targeting terrorists in the Northwest and North Central regions of the country.
In a statement on Thursday, the Director of Information and Public Relations (DOPRI), Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Olusola Akinboyewa, confirmed that the strikes also dismantled a key terrorist logistics base in the forest.
“This operation, conducted on January 21, 2025, was based on credible intelligence and follow-up aerial surveillance, which revealed an influx of armed terrorists into the forest. These criminals were linked to widespread violence, including two Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks in Bassa, Shiroro LGA, on December 19, 2024, which claimed several innocent lives,” Akinboyewa stated.
In response, the NAF launched a three-day sustained air operation, KONAN DAJI, aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities and making the forest uninhabitable for them.
“A formation of fighter aircraft was dispatched to execute precision airstrikes on identified targets. The strikes successfully neutralized numerous armed fighters and destroyed their logistics base, as confirmed by multiple secondary explosions,” he added.
The NAF assured that, in coordination with ground forces, it remains committed to maintaining operational dominance in the region. Efforts are ongoing to eliminate all criminal elements in Alawa Forest and surrounding areas, ensuring lasting peace and security for residents of Niger State and beyond.
