The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has carried out heavy airstrikes on bandits’ camps in the eastern part of Shinkafi Local Government Area, neutralizing several armed criminals and destroying their hideouts.
Intelligence sources hinted to Zagazola Makama, a competent counter-insurgency media expert, that the air raids targeted the residence of a notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Haru, in Katsira Forest, extending to Fakai Forest, known to harbour armed groups terrorizing communities in the region.
Security on the ground confirmed that multiple bandits were neutralised in the air bombardment, while their livestock and logistics were destroyed.
A senior military officer disclosed that surveillance operations were still ongoing to track and eliminate fleeing bandits.
The Nigerian Armed Forces have vowed to continue their offensive against terrorists and bandits, ensuring peace and security in the region.
Relatedly, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have successfully neutralised scores of bandits in Tsafe Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State, recovering a large number of rustled Cows.
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Makama revealed that the successful operation was a result of a coordinated intelligence which revealed that a large number of bandits suspected to be relatives of notorious bandit leader Ado Aleiro, along with other unidentified individuals, left Zamfara State/Tsafe LGA to rustle cattle from nearby communities.
The sources said that the bandits succeeded in stealing several livestock and were attempting to escape when they encountered resistance from local security forces.
The troops tracked the rustlers and waited until they reached a mountainous area before surrounding them. Upon confirming their location, they alerted the Nigerian Air Force, which swiftly deployed air assets to engage the fleeing bandits.
Eyewitnesses confirmed that several bandits were eliminated in the operation, though he said that the exact number is yet to be determined. The second source said that at least 23 bandits were killed as well as several others injured
The sources said that the troops also recovered a large number of rustled cattle.
This operation is part of ongoing efforts by the military to dismantle terrorist strongholds and curb cattle rustling, a key source of funding for bandit groups operating in Zamfara and neighbouring states.
