NAF Hits Suspected Terrorist Hideouts In Kaduna, Tracks Dogo Gide’s Associates

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has engaged suspected terrorist elements during an armed reconnaissance mission around Rijana in Kaduna State, following intelligence reports indicating plans to carry out kidnapping activities in the area.

The operation, conducted on October 29, 2026, involved an A-29 Super Tucano aircraft deployed by the Air Component of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Sector 1.

According to an operational report, the mission was launched following intelligence suggesting the presence of suspected terrorist elements, including notorious bandit leader Dogo Gide and his associates, around Rijana, with alleged plans to abduct residents and other travellers.

During the operation, the aircrew conducted extensive aerial surveillance of the identified location, which featured dense vegetation, riverlines and an unfinished structure.

The reconnaissance mission was subsequently extended to adjoining tracks, where suspected terrorists were sighted around huts and tents concealed beneath trees. The identified positions were engaged, while their coordinates were relayed to another airborne Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform for further assessment.

As part of the mission, the aircraft also conducted surveillance and provided air cover along the Abuja–Kaduna Main Supply Route and the adjoining railway corridor to assess the security situation and identify potential threats to commuters and critical infrastructure.

The operational report indicated that no threats were observed along the railway corridor, while normal human and vehicular activities continued along the major supply route.

The aircrew also established visual contact with ground troops operating in the area, with the overall security situation described as calm and stable.

The operation underscores the NAF’s use of armed reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, route surveillance and aerial support to strengthen ongoing joint security operations against terrorist and criminal elements in the North-West.

The Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Sector 1, reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operational pressure on terrorist groups through coordinated efforts with other security agencies.

The ongoing operations are aimed at denying terrorists freedom of movement, disrupting their criminal activities, protecting critical national infrastructure, safeguarding lives and restoring lasting peace and security across the operational theatre.