On February 15, 2025, the Air Component of Operation Fasan Yamma (AC OPFY) executed a successful and highly effective airstrike targeting Yauni Hill, located in Zakka Ward within the Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State, northern Nigeria. The well-coordinated military operation resulted in the neutralization of several bandits and played a crucial role in repelling an ongoing attack on personnel from the Police Mobile Force (PMF) and the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KWSC), both of which are vital security units responsible for maintaining law and order in the region.
This operation was the result of intelligence gathering that indicated an imminent threat posed by a group of terrorists, specifically bandits, who had already initiated an attack on a PMF location within the community. The intelligence reports also confirmed that these bandits had killed two PMF officers and four vigilantes from the Community Watch Corps, further intensifying the urgency of the response from the Nigerian military. The bandits were believed to be taking refuge and consolidating their forces on Yauni Hill, which became the primary target for the airstrike. This area, due to its strategic positioning, offered the bandits an advantageous location to stage attacks, making it a critical point for the military to target.
In response to the growing threat and the loss of security personnel, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) quickly deployed its air assets in a tactical air interdiction mission to neutralize the threat. The mission was executed with precision, and upon arrival at the designated target area, the NAF assets successfully identified the bandits’ positions and engaged them effectively. The precision of the strike is reported to have disrupted the bandits’ operations, neutralizing several of them and significantly weakening their presence in the area.
Despite the success of the mission, reports of potential civilian casualties have surfaced in the aftermath of the airstrike, leading to significant public concern and questions about the impact of the operation on innocent lives. These allegations of civilian deaths have been described as deeply troubling, and the Nigerian Air Force has expressed its commitment to addressing these concerns with the utmost seriousness. In a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Communication for the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, the NAF reiterated its dedication to transparency and professionalism in all its operations.
Air Vice Marshal Akinboyewa stressed that while the reports of civilian casualties are concerning, they remain mere allegations at this point, and the NAF is fully committed to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter. “While these claims are distressing, it is important to emphasize that they remain allegations until a comprehensive investigation is concluded,” he said. The NAF also reaffirmed its adherence to internationally accepted rules of engagement and operational standards that govern military actions to protect both soldiers and civilians alike. “As a professional force dedicated to the protection of Nigeria and its people, the NAF operates under strict rules of engagement and adheres to internationally accepted standards in all its operations,” Akinboyewa added.
The NAF’s statement also highlighted the core values of the Nigerian military, which prioritize professionalism, accountability, and the safeguarding of the well-being of Nigerian citizens. The Air Force emphasized that, consistent with its ethos, the safety and security of innocent civilians remain a central consideration in the planning and execution of military operations. “The NAF Ethos guarantees that our operations are always geared towards ensuring the well-being of our nation and citizens,” the statement explained.
In light of the allegations, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the claims of civilian casualties. The investigation is expected to rigorously examine all aspects of the operation to verify the authenticity of the allegations and determine if any lapses or errors occurred during the airstrike. “In response to these allegations, the Chief of the Air Staff has promptly ordered a thorough investigation to verify the claims and ensure appropriate action is taken based on the findings,” Akinboyewa stated.
This investigation will be a critical step in ensuring that any potential wrongdoing is addressed, and it will also provide the public with a clear understanding of the facts surrounding the operation. The Nigerian Air Force has emphasized that it is fully committed to accountability and will take any necessary actions based on the investigation’s results to maintain its professionalism and uphold its responsibility to protect Nigerian citizens.
While the investigation is ongoing, the Nigerian Air Force has called on the public to remain calm and patient. The NAF urged Nigerians to trust in the process and assured them that the military’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and the protection of innocent lives remains unwavering. The Nigerian military’s engagement in the fight against insurgency and banditry is a delicate and complex operation, and the NAF has reiterated its resolve to carry out its duties with the highest standards of conduct.
The successful airstrike on Yauni Hill is part of the broader efforts of Operation Fasan Yamma, which aims to combat the persistent threat of banditry, terrorism, and insurgency in northern Nigeria. Bandit groups have been wreaking havoc in the region, targeting both military personnel and civilian populations, often causing significant loss of life and property. The NAF’s airstrikes are a key component of the broader military strategy to disrupt and dismantle these criminal groups and restore peace to affected communities.
As the investigation into the alleged civilian casualties continues, there is hope that it will not only clarify the situation but also provide valuable insights into how military operations can be further refined to minimize the risk of civilian harm while effectively combating the threats posed by insurgents and bandits. The outcome of this investigation is likely to have significant implications for future military operations, both in terms of operational procedures and public perception of the military’s conduct.
In conclusion, while the success of the airstrike in neutralizing bandits and supporting security forces on the ground is acknowledged, the ongoing concerns about potential civilian casualties underscore the complexity of modern warfare. The Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to professionalism and transparency in the face of these allegations is an essential step in maintaining public trust and ensuring the effectiveness and accountability of military operations in Nigeria.
