Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has carried out an airstrike on suspected terrorist positions at Rijana Hill in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State after intelligence reports indicated the gathering of armed terrorists in the area.
The operation was executed on Friday, October 9, by an A-29 Super Tucano aircraft under the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA Sector 1, following an order by the Air Component Commander for an immediate response to the emerging threat.
Before the strike mission, the aircraft had provided aerial escort and surveillance for a convoy conveying the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 1 Division, Nigerian Army, and the Air Component Commander from Kaduna to Maraban Rido.
During the escort operation, the aircrew maintained visual and radio contact with the convoy while monitoring the surrounding area for possible threats, but none was detected.
The mission was later redirected to Rijana Hill after fresh intelligence revealed that an unspecified number of suspected terrorists had converged in the area.
According to the operational account, the aircrew spotted the suspected terrorists, who attempted to flee and take cover after noticing the approaching aircraft.
The Super Tucano then engaged the identified positions with its onboard weapons before carrying out a follow-up aerial scan of the area.
No further threats were observed during the post-strike assessment, and the aircraft subsequently returned safely to base.
The Air Component said the operation highlighted its ability to combine convoy protection, aerial surveillance and rapid offensive action against emerging security threats within a single mission.
It added that Operation FANSAN YAMMA Sector 1 would continue working with other security agencies to eliminate terrorist threats, protect troops and communities, and support efforts to restore lasting peace across the operational theatre.
However, the military did not disclose the number of suspected terrorists killed or injured during the airstrike.