The Nigerian military has announced separate operations that neutralised more than 25 terrorists in the North-East and led to the arrest of 15 armed bandits in Plateau State.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said on Saturday that air strikes were conducted on September 18 in Bula Yobe, Yobe State, and in the Banki axis of Borno State.
According to him, the operation followed reports from ground troops about terrorist movements in the area.
“Acting on reports from ground troops, a force package comprising Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and attack aircraft were deployed. The ISR platform established contact with ground forces, tracked terrorist movements and identified multiple groups around the north of Banki,” he said.
Ejodame explained that the ISR aircraft relayed real-time updates to troops and base operations, enabling synchronised strikes.
“Subsequently, the strike aircraft engaged the terrorists in three successive precision strikes on their movement routes and assembly areas, effectively neutralising more than 25 fighters. Post-strike surveillance confirmed ground forces in their defensive positions with no further threats observed in the area,” he added.
The Air Force spokesman said the operation underscored NAF’s commitment to support ground forces and deny terrorists freedom of action.
“This successful operation highlights NAF’s decisive support to ground forces, its resolve to deny terrorists freedom of action, and its commitment to securing Nigeria’s North-East,” Ejodame stated.
In a separate operation, the Nigerian Army confirmed the arrest of 15 suspected bandits in Plateau State.
The spokesman of 3 Division, Major Samson Zaikhom, said the arrests followed an arson attack in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area.
“As part of concerted efforts to frustrate the actions of armed criminals operating in the Joint Operations Area, troops of 3 Division/Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace conducted offensive operations on 19 September 2025. During the technology-enabled operation, troops intercepted 15 armed militias involved in the act of arson, and recovered 15 fabricated rifles, 105 cartridges, and other sundry items,” Zaikhom said.
He added that the suspects and weapons were in custody and that efforts were ongoing to apprehend others who fled.
“Troops of 3 Division/JTF OPEP are redoubling their efforts and improving operational awareness to secure the Joint Operations Area, and halt the activities of criminal individuals whose identities must be exposed for further action,” he said.
The two operations come days after troops foiled an attempted ambush by Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in the Lake Chad region, killing three of their commanders and eight other fighters.
