NAF Takes Down Terror Leaders Gero and Riga, Along with 20 Fighters, in Katsina Airstrike
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully eliminated key bandit leaders, Gero (Alhaji) and Alhaji Riga, along with more than 20 of their fighters in a precise airstrike carried out in Katsina State.
On the morning of March 13, 2025, the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma launched a targeted strike on the bandits’ fortified hideouts in the Unguwar Goga Hillforest area of Ruwan Godiya Ward, Faskari local government.
In a statement, Deputy NAF Spokesman, Group Captain Kabiru Ali, confirmed that the operation was based on actionable intelligence. The airstrikes, he noted, had a significant impact on the criminal elements in the area.
The statement also mentioned that additional casualties were reported in the surrounding rocky hills, with an ongoing assessment to determine the full extent of the damage.
Riga and Gero were known for facilitating banditry operations, providing refuge to criminal elements responsible for frequent ambushes along the Funtua-Gusau Road, especially in the regions between Yankara and Sheme villages.
“Their deaths represent a critical victory in the ongoing military efforts to restore peace to the North-West region,” Group Captain Ali stated.
He assured that the NAF, in collaboration with ground forces, would continue its unyielding pursuit to dismantle all bandit strongholds and eliminate threats to national security.
