Operation Fansan Yamma Clarifies Precision Airstrike In Zamfara

Operation Fansan Yamma Clarifies Precision Airstrike In Zamfara

The attention of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) has been drawn to a misleading and mischievous media report alleging that Nigerian Air Force (NAF) strikes in Zamfara State targeted a civilian wedding, resulting in civilian casualties. This claim is false, unfounded, and appears to be a deliberate attempt to undermine troops professional conduct and operational successes of OPFY.

To set the record straight, on 4 August 2025, the Air Component of OPFY conducted a precision, intelligence-led strike based on credible and actionable intelligence regarding the presence of heavily armed terrorists — including the notorious kingpin Ado Aliero at the foot of Asola Hills in Yankuzo Ward, Tsafe Local Government Area. The gathering, which was in fact a wedding celebration to honour the groom who is a key foot soldier of Ado Aliero also served as a cover for convergence of terrorists from the Faskari and Kankara axes of Katsina State and various parts of Zamfara State, who were plotting coordinated attacks on nearby communities.

Surveillance assets confirmed the presence of armed fighters and their support elements before precision-guided munitions were successfully deployed, neutralizing the terrorists and critically injuring many others.

In a swift follow-up, troops from 1 Brigade under Sector 2 of OPFY mobilized to intercept the fleeing terrorists. En route to Yankuzo village, they encountered and fought through an ambush at Asola Hills thus, neutralizing additional terrorists and critically injuring four known collaborators from Kunchin Kalgo village. Two soldiers who sustained injuries during the encounter are currently receiving medical treatment and are in stable condition.

The successful interdiction and follow-up operations in which no fewer than 30 terrorists were neutralized have brought widespread relief to residents of Yankuzo, Tsafe, and neighboring communities, who have long suffered from recurrent terrorist harassment. Local residents and reliable community sources have further confirmed that there were no civilian casualties during the strikes.

OPFY remains committed to professionalism, credible intelligence-led operations, and strict adherence to the rules of engagement. Its mission continues to focus on protecting innocent lives and property while restoring lasting peace across the North West and parts of North Central Nigeria. We urge Nigerians to disregard any unfounded information from questionable sources designed to undermine the nation’s defence and security efforts.