The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has delivered a devastating blow to banditry in Katsina State, as the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma executed a precision airstrike in the early hours of 13 March 2025, decimating notorious bandit hideouts in Unguwar Goga Hillforest, Ruwan Godiya Ward, Faskari Local Government Area.

The airstrikes, which preceded careful and actionable intelligence advancing purposeful lethality, destroyed the fortified camps of notorious bandit kingpins Gero (Alhaji) and Alhaji Riga, neutralising over 20 criminals, with additional casualties reported in the surrounding rocky hills. The airstrike had a decisive impact on the criminals; assessment of the full extent of the damage is ongoing.

Riga and Gero were key enablers of banditry, sheltering terrorist elements responsible for relentless ambushes along the Funtua-Gusau Road, particularly between ‘Yankara and Sheme villages. Their elimination marks a major breakthrough in the ongoing military campaign to restore peace in the North-West. The NAF, in coordination with ground forces, remains relentless in its mission to eradicate all threats and dismantle bandit strongholds.