The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that its airstrikes in Kwara State have killed a notorious kidnapping kingpin known as ‘Maidawa’, along with several members of his gang. The bombardments, carried out over the weekend, are part of ongoing counter-terrorism operations in Nigeria’s North-Central region.
Security officials described Maidawa as one of the most dangerous kidnap masterminds in Kwara, Niger, and Kogi States. His gang was accused of masterminding highway abductions, attacks on rural communities, and killings of security operatives.
Military intelligence reported that Maidawa’s group had hideouts inside the Patigi and Kaiama forests, which served as bases for launching raids.
According to NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, surveillance confirmed the movement of armed bandits led by Maidawa. Precision airstrikes were then launched in succession.
“The strikes successfully neutralized Maidawa, his close associates, and several foot soldiers. Their camps and logistics bases were also destroyed, crippling their ability to regroup,” Gabkwet said.
Ground troops later moved in to mop up and secure the area.
For communities in Patigi and Kaiama, the development is a welcome relief. Farmers who had been forced to pay “harvest levies” to bandits say they hope this will restore peace.
A village head in Kaiama said:
“We have suffered for years. These people controlled our farmlands and roads. If Maidawa is truly gone, maybe our children can go back to school and our women can return to the markets safely.”
The strikes are part of Operation Whirl Stroke and other joint task missions aimed at combating armed gangs. In recent months, NAF has increased air raids across North-Central states in response to rising kidnapping cases.
The Nigeria Security Tracker estimates that over 1,200 abductions have been recorded nationwide in 2025 alone, with Kwara and Niger emerging as hotspots.
On social media, Nigerians reacted to the announcement with both praise and caution.
On X, @Ifeanyi_P wrote: “Finally, Maidawa has met his end. Kudos to NAF for this decisive strike. More of this energy is needed.”
Another user, @AminaKwara, commented: “This is good news, but government must follow up. Too many times we celebrate deaths of bandit leaders only for their gangs to return stronger.”
A Kwara resident on Facebook added: “We can sleep better tonight, but we pray this is permanent.”
Security analysts have welcomed the strike but warned that splinter groups may regroup if follow-up actions are not taken. They advise strengthening ground patrols, securing cleared areas, and deepening community policing.
The death of Maidawa is a significant breakthrough in the fight against banditry in Kwara and the wider North-Central zone. It signals the government’s determination to target kingpins rather than just foot soldiers.
Still, the challenge remains: keeping pressure on criminal networks so they cannot regroup. For residents long terrorized by Maidawa and his men, the hope is that this victory brings lasting peace to their communities.
