The Nigerian Air Force has successfully targeted and destroyed key bandit hideouts in the Unguwar Goga Hillforest, located in the Ruwan Godiya Ward of Faskari Local Government Area in Katsina State. The airstrike, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, March 13, 2025, is seen as a significant victory in the ongoing battle against banditry in the North-Western region of Nigeria.
The operation, conducted by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma, focused on the fortified camps of two notorious bandit leaders, Gero (Alhaji) and Alhaji Riga. These individuals have been central figures in the wave of violence and criminal activities that have plagued the region for years. According to the Nigerian Air Force, the airstrike was a result of careful intelligence gathering, which allowed for a precision strike that decimated the bandit camps.
A statement released on Friday night by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, Group Captain Kabiru Ali, confirmed that the airstrikes were highly effective. Over 20 bandits were reportedly neutralized during the operation, with additional casualties in the surrounding rocky hills. The military is still assessing the full extent of the damage caused by the strike.
The destruction of the hideouts in Unguwar Goga Hillforest is considered a significant blow to bandit operations in Katsina State. The camps were reportedly used by Gero and Alhaji Riga to shelter bandits and terrorist elements responsible for numerous deadly ambushes along key roads, including the Funtua-Gusau Road. These areas, particularly the stretch between Yankara and Sheme villages, have been hotspots for bandit attacks, with travelers often falling victim to violent robberies and kidnappings.
Ali’s statement highlighted that the two bandit leaders had been key enablers of banditry in the region. Gero and Riga had established strongholds in the area, where they coordinated attacks and sheltered other criminals who carried out ambushes, terrorizing the local population. The elimination of these leaders is seen as a major breakthrough in the military’s ongoing efforts to restore peace and security to the North-West.
The airstrike in Katsina is part of the Nigerian government’s broader military campaign against banditry and other forms of organized crime in the North-West. For years, Katsina and neighboring states such as Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kaduna have been grappling with the devastating impact of banditry. Criminal gangs have been responsible for large-scale kidnappings, robberies, and violence, leading to the displacement of thousands of residents.
The Nigerian military, in collaboration with local security forces, has been conducting a series of operations aimed at dismantling the networks of bandits operating in the region. These operations have included ground assaults, airstrikes, and intelligence-gathering missions. Despite these efforts, banditry remains a persistent threat in many parts of the North-West, with locals often caught between the crossfire of criminal groups and security forces.
The recent airstrikes in Katsina are seen as an important step in weakening the influence of bandit kingpins like Gero and Riga. By targeting their strongholds, the Nigerian Air Force has not only disrupted their operations but also sent a strong message that the government is committed to tackling the menace of banditry head-on.
Experts have long argued that dismantling the leadership structures of criminal gangs is crucial to ending the cycle of violence in the region. By eliminating top leaders like Gero and Riga, the government hopes to create a leadership vacuum that will make it harder for bandits to maintain their grip on the local population. Additionally, the destruction of key hideouts deprives bandits of safe havens, making it more difficult for them to launch further attacks.
The ongoing military campaign in the North-West is expected to continue, with authorities vowing to take further action against remaining criminal elements in the region. The Nigerian Air Force’s recent success in Katsina has been hailed as a positive development, but many are cautious, recognizing that it is only one part of a much larger battle to restore law and order.
Locals in Katsina and surrounding areas have welcomed the news of the airstrikes, hoping that it will lead to a reduction in violence and insecurity. Many residents have been living in fear for years, as bandit attacks have disrupted their daily lives and forced many to abandon their homes. The airstrikes are viewed by some as a much-needed show of force by the government, which has often been criticized for not doing enough to protect citizens from criminal gangs.
However, while the military’s actions have been lauded, some community members remain skeptical about the long-term impact. Banditry in the North-West is deeply rooted, with some criminals having the support of local communities and being able to quickly regroup after attacks. There are concerns that the elimination of key leaders, while significant, may not be enough to entirely eradicate the threat posed by bandits in the region.
The airstrikes in Katsina come at a time when the Nigerian government is under increasing pressure to address the growing security challenges facing the country. From banditry in the North-West to Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East and violent herder-farmer clashes in the Middle Belt, the government’s ability to manage and control security threats is being tested.
As part of its broader security strategy, the Nigerian government has been strengthening its military capabilities, improving intelligence-sharing networks, and collaborating with local authorities to ensure that security measures are effective. The military’s successes in operations like the one in Katsina are seen as essential steps toward achieving long-term peace and stability in affected regions.
The government has also been working to address the root causes of banditry, such as poverty, unemployment, and inadequate security infrastructure. While military actions like airstrikes can provide temporary relief, experts stress that a more comprehensive approach that includes social and economic reforms will be necessary to bring lasting peace to the North-West.
