Nigerian Air Force (NAF), through the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma Sector 2, has delivered neutralised terrorist elements in the North-West, destroying a notorious hideout linked to kingpin Abasu Aiki, during a precision air strike in Katsina State.

The operation, conducted at the weekend, targeted a terrorist enclave within the Dan-Aji Forest in Faskari Local Council, following sustained and credible intelligence reports indicating renewed terrorist activity in the area.

In a statement, NAF’s spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said further intelligence confirmed that the location served as a logistics hub and transit point for fighters loyal to Aiki, who have been implicated in repeated attacks on communities and security forces across the Faskari, Kankara, and Funtua axis of Katsina.

Ejodame said the successful operation significantly disrupts terrorist movement and resupply within the area, underscoring NAF’s sustained resolve to deny terrorists safe havens, dismantle their operational networks, and support ongoing efforts to restore peace and security across the region.

Also, the Air Force (NAF), under the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, unleashed sustained and aggressive precision strikes on terrorist logistics hubs, killing scores of fighters across Sambisa and the Tumbuns in Borno State.

The strikes, carried out on April 30 at Alafa in the Sambisa axis, and May 1, 2026, on terrorist positions at Metele in the Tumbuns, were based on credible intelligence that obliterated the insurgents’ enclaves and hideouts.

SIMILARLY, North-West governors have reaffirmed a unified and uncompromising stance against insecurity, declaring that they would no longer engage in any form of negotiation with bandits as part of renewed efforts to restore peace in the region.

The position was reiterated by Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, during the commissioning of the N12.6 billion Yandaki–Shinkafi–Kofar Sauri Road project in Katsina State.

Aliyu said the North-West governors are collectively committed to confronting criminal elements head-on, stressing that peace cannot be achieved through dialogue with armed groups.

“We will not negotiate with any criminal, nor accept any offer from them unless they surrender unconditionally,” he declared.

He explained that state governments across the region are increasing investments in security infrastructure and strengthening collaboration with security agencies to dismantle bandit networks and end persistent violence in affected communities.

Aliyu also urged residents to support security efforts by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities, warning that bandit operations often rely on local collaborators.

The governor called on citizens to continue supporting security operatives through prayers and cooperation, expressing optimism that ongoing measures would restore lasting peace across the region and the country at large.

He commended his Katsina colleague, Dikko Umaru Radda, for establishing the State Community Guard, describing it as a strong complement to conventional security agencies.

Aliyu disclosed that Sokoto adopted a similar initiative after observing its impact in Katsina, noting that community-based security structures are proving effective in addressing local security challenges.

MEANWHILE, the senator representing Borno South in the National Assembly, Ali Ndume, has urged the mediator handling the Ngoshe captives’ case to liaise closely with security agencies, warning against politicising the negotiations.

He spoke amid ongoing efforts to secure the release of residents abducted by insurgents in Ngoshe, Gwoza council area, as well as the rescue of six of the captives by the troops of the Nigerian military.

Speaking to newsmen at the weekend in Maiduguri, Ndume hailed the Federal Government and troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in the fight against Boko Haram terrorists, which led to the rescue of six of the 416 people, mostly women and children who were recently abducted by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Ngoshe village, Gwoza council area of the state.

The lawmaker, however, called on the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA) with its President, Samaila Kaigama, whom he said claimed to be a mediator between the factional group of Boko Haram terrorists and the government, in facilitating the safe return of Ngoshe captives to liaise with security agencies, rather than politicising the mediation.

He said since the tragedy occurred, some of the captives were rescued, including the latest one of last Friday, 1st May 2026, in which an additional six of them were rescued and reunited with family members in the Ngoshe community.