Terrorists operating in Sokoto State and other parts of the North-West are facing intensified aerial bombardment as the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) sustains airstrikes to disrupt their activities and deny them freedom of movement.
The NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the intensified air operations reflected the Service’s determination to sustain pressure on hostile elements, enhance aerial surveillance and maintain the capacity for rapid response to emerging threats.
He said the NAF would continue to provide effective air support to ground forces operating within the Joint Operations Area. 
Ejodame said the strengthened air presence was particularly significant in tackling asymmetric threats, as terrorists and bandits often exploit difficult terrain, mobility and concealment to evade ground forces.
According to him, the NAF’s ability to leverage the reach, speed, flexibility and precision of airpower would enhance efforts to locate, disrupt and degrade hostile elements, deny them freedom of movement, and create greater operational opportunities for surface forces to consolidate their gains.
He added that the operations underscored the importance of sustained coordination between air and ground forces in addressing evolving security challenges across the region.
The NAF spokesperson quoted the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, as saying that the Service would continue to optimise the employment of airpower to deliver decisive effects in support of ongoing joint operations.
Aneke stressed that the evolving security environment required timely intelligence, responsive airpower and seamless integration with surface forces.
“Our objective is clear: to sustain the pressure on criminal elements, deny them freedom of action and create the conditions for our surface forces to dominate the operational environment.
“We will continue to employ airpower intelligently, professionally and decisively, in synergy with our sister Services and other security agencies, while maintaining the highest regard for the safety of civilians,” he said.
Ejodame said the NAF remained focused on maintaining operational readiness and ensuring that hostile elements were denied the freedom to threaten innocent communities.
He added that the Service remained committed to supporting national efforts to restore peace and stability across the North-West by working closely with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to protect lives and property, disrupt terrorist and criminal networks and safeguard vulnerable communities.
The NAF urged Nigerians to support ongoing security operations by providing timely and credible information to the appropriate authorities.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued six kidnapped victims during a sustained offensive against terrorists in Katsina State.
The Media Information Officer of the operation, Lt.-Col. Aliyu Danja, said the victims were rescued in the Dandume Local Government Area of the state.
Danja said the troops made contact with the terrorists on August 22 while on a fighting patrol, after the criminals had intercepted the victims’ vehicle along the Dandume-Sheme Road and taken them hostage.
He said the troops swiftly advanced to the area and engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding bushes.
“The troops advanced to the area and made contact with the terrorists, overwhelming them with superior firepower and forcing them to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding bushes,” he said.
Danja said the troops subsequently combed the area and rescued all six victims unharmed, recovering N800,000 allegedly taken from them by the terrorists.
He added that the recovered money and vehicle were handed over to the victims in the presence of the Divisional Police Officer, Dandume.
He further disclosed that on August 21, troops of Sector 2 encountered terrorists along the Maraban Kankara axis in Kankara Local Government Area.
According to him, the troops swiftly engaged the terrorists, forcing them to flee in disarray into the surrounding bushes.
“Troops pursued the fleeing elements before exploiting the area, during which one motorcycle was recovered,” he said.
Danja said the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, remained resolute in sustaining aggressive patrols and offensive operations to deny terrorists freedom of action and protect lives and property.
“The Theatre appreciates the continued support of members of the public and urges communities to provide timely and credible information to security forces in support of ongoing operations,” he said.
