Many bandits killed in Zamfara operations – NAF
The Nigerian Air Force on Sunday said air strikes conducted during operations in Zamfara State have neutralised numerous bandits, including key loyalists of the notorious bandit leaders, Dan-Isuhu and Dogo Sule.
According to 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 air strikes were launched.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, 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 15 November 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 Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
“Intelligence sources revealed that the congregation of criminals was perfecting plans for coordinated attacks against military personnel or civilians along the Tsafe axis.
“Upon receiving credible intelligence, the NAF launched a series of devastating air strikes, 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 the Tsafe Local Government Area had 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,”These groups have utilised remote settlements like Babban Kauye as strategic safe havens, from which they coordinate and execute their nefarious operations.
“The latest air strikes 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.”
