The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, on Sunday said airstrikes conducted in Zamfara State have neutralised numerous bandits, including key loyalists of the notorious bandit leaders, Dan-Isuhu and Dogo Sule.
The service, the bandits were in the process of finalising plans for coordinated attacks against military personnel or civilians along the Tsafe axis when the airstrikes were launched.
In a statement by its spokesman, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa the NAF said reports from the ground after the strikes confirmed the successful elimination of numerous high-ranking members of the bandit groups.
He said: “The Nigerian Air Force is sustaining its aggressive air interdiction campaign, nicknamed Operation Farautar Mujiya aimed at eliminating bandit threats in Northwestern Nigeria.
“To this end, the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma executed further air interdiction missions in Zamfara State on November 15 2024. These operations have led to the neutralisation of numerous bandits, including key loyalists of infamous bandit leaders Dan-Isuhu and Dogo Sule.
“The airstrikes targeted a large assembly of bandits in Babban Kauye village, situated in the Tsafe Local Government of Zamfara State.
Intelligence sources disclosed that the congregation of criminals was perfecting plans for coordinated attacks against military personnel or civilians along the Tsafe axis.
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“Upon receiving credible intelligence, the NAF launched a series of devastating airstrikes, inflicting significant casualties on the criminal elements. Reports from the ground confirmed the successful elimination of numerous high-ranking members of the bandit groups, dealing a severe blow to their operational capacity.”
Akinboyewa said Tsafe Local Government has long been a flashpoint for bandit activities, with factions loyal to Dan-Isuhu and Dogo Sule notorious for orchestrating violent assaults on local communities, security forces, and vital infrastructure.
He added that “these groups have utilised remote settlements like Babban Kauye as strategic safe havens, from which they coordinate and execute their nefarious operations.
“The latest airstrikes represent a robust response and support for the Theatre Command of Operation FANSAN YAMMA by the NAF, aligning with broader efforts to dismantle and completely degrade bandit networks in the region, disrupt planned attacks to restore peace and stability to the embattled Northwest.
“The NAF remains resolute in its mission, in collaboration with sister Services and other security agencies to secure the region and indeed the nation as a whole, as we work to eliminate threats posed by terrorists, bandits, and all other criminal elements working against the peace and prosperity of our beloved country.”
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