Abuja, Nigeria — November 11, 2025:
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced that its fighter aircraft conducted a series of precision airstrikes on terrorist hideouts across several parts of Northern Nigeria, neutralising scores of militants and destroying key logistics bases.
A senior defence official confirmed the operations on Tuesday, describing them as part of an ongoing counterterrorism campaign aimed at degrading the operational capacity of terrorist factions, including ISWAP, Boko Haram, and armed bandit networks operating in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions.
According to the official, the strikes were executed after credible intelligence revealed the location of terrorist camps and weapons depots in parts of Borno, Kaduna, Katsina, and Niger States.
“Our air interdiction missions over the past few days have yielded significant results. Several high-value targets were eliminated, and multiple logistics sites were destroyed in coordinated precision strikes,” the source said.
Key Operations
The report indicates that one of the most successful missions took place in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, where airstrikes targeted a gathering of insurgents preparing to launch attacks on civilian communities. Surveillance footage later confirmed multiple neutralisations.
In Kaduna State, NAF aircraft under Operation Whirl Punch reportedly struck bandit enclaves in the Birnin Gwari and Giwa areas, destroying makeshift shelters and motorcycles used for kidnapping operations.
Another mission in Katsina State hit a terrorist logistics hub near Jibia, while follow-up operations in Niger State under Operation Whirl Stroke neutralised armed groups linked to cross-border smuggling and cattle rustling.
Military Reacts
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, confirmed the operations in a brief statement, noting that all missions were carried out with “pinpoint accuracy and minimal collateral damage.”
“The Nigerian Air Force remains fully committed to supporting joint military efforts aimed at ending terrorism and restoring peace across affected regions,” Gabkwet stated.
“We continue to leverage intelligence-driven targeting and real-time surveillance to ensure that every strike hits only legitimate enemy positions.”
Ongoing Counterterrorism Drive
The latest operations come as part of renewed efforts by the Armed Forces of Nigeria to sustain pressure on non-state armed groups ahead of the dry season, a period often exploited by terrorists to regroup and launch attacks.
Military sources say troops of the Nigerian Army, working in coordination with NAF and Nigerian Navy intelligence assets, are currently conducting ground mop-up operations to consolidate the air successes and recover weapons from destroyed camps.
Defence analysts have praised the improved inter-service coordination, noting that NAF’s use of modern targeting systems and aerial surveillance has significantly reduced civilian casualties and improved mission outcomes.
Background
Over the past decade, Nigeria has waged an intense battle against insurgency and banditry, particularly in the North-East and North-West.
Despite progress made under joint military operations, attacks by splinter cells of Boko Haram, ISWAP, and criminal gangs have persisted, targeting rural communities, highways, and military convoys.
The government has pledged to intensify its counterterrorism operations and invest in advanced military technology to enhance intelligence gathering and rapid response.
Conclusion
With the latest airstrikes delivering what officials described as “substantial operational gains,” defence authorities say the focus will remain on sustaining momentum and preventing terrorists from re-establishing strongholds in any part of the country.
“The Nigerian Air Force will not relent until every inch of Nigerian territory is secured,” AVM Gabkwet said.
