Air strikes
Airstrikes Hit Bandit Hideouts; Kingpins Flee Amid Collateral Damage in Zamfara
In a decisive operation against escalating banditry, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) conducted a series of airstrikes on Friday and Saturday, targeting multiple incursions by armed groups across Zamfara State. The coordinated military action sought to neutralise bandits wreaking havoc in the region and dismantle their strongholds.
According to reports from PRNigeria, suspected Lakurawa terrorists advanced toward the village of Bagega in Anka Local Government Area (LGA), while another faction loyal to notorious bandit leader Turji attempted to infiltrate Tsafe. Acting on prompt intelligence, NAF jets engaged the bandits as they retreated to more remote areas in the Maradun and Zurmi axes. The airstrikes were complemented by ground troops and local vigilantes, who inflicted significant casualties on the fleeing assailants.
Ground operations achieved notable success in Fakai, located in Shinkafi LGA, and other key locations in Tsafe. Several bandits were eliminated during the confrontations. However, sources revealed that some local vigilantes pursuing the bandits inadvertently found themselves caught in crossfire, resulting in collateral casualties.
Injured vigilantes were promptly evacuated to healthcare facilities in Kaura Namoda, Zurmi, and Kaya for medical treatment.
In a concerning development, PRNigeria reported that prominent bandit warlords and their foot soldiers have fled their hideouts in Shinkafi LGA’s forest, relocating to the Surbudu Forest in Isa LGA of Sokoto State. This movement has raised alarms about potential regrouping efforts by the criminal elements.
A defence intelligence source disclosed to PRNigeria that while the whereabouts of Turji remain unclear, three of his top commanders were eliminated in the offensive.
“Nearly 60 terrorists were neutralised in NAF jet bombardments in a coordinated operation with the ground troops,” the source revealed.
“Even those attempting to flee were intercepted and eliminated by ground troops, aided by courageous vigilantes familiar with the terrain even though there is an element of collateral damages during the operation.”
The operation in Fakai reportedly inflicted significant losses on the terrorists. “About 25 bodies were taken to Sabon Garin Jena village for burial, while additional corpses and injured individuals were moved to Tungan Nasarawa village,” the source added.
The offensive yielded a breakthrough in the fight against banditry, as seven kidnapped victims escaped from camps linked to Turji’s syndicate. Military sources affirmed that efforts to dismantle Turji’s network are ongoing.
“We are still pursuing Turji and his group, and their end is near,” the intelligence source stated confidently.
Meanwhile, in a press statement regarding the ongoing military offensive in the Northwest, the spokesperson for Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt. Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, emphasised that the troops will persist in pursuing and neutralising all terrorist elements within their joint operational area.
He further issued a stern warning to terrorist kingpins and their associates, urging them to surrender and renounce violence unconditionally.
“Our troops remain steadfast in their commitment to eradicating these threats,” he stated. Lt. Colonel Abdullahi also reassured the public of the military’s unwavering dedication to restoring peace and security in the affected communities.
This latest military operation underscores the Nigerian government’s determination to curb banditry in Zamfara State and surrounding regions, as efforts intensify to restore peace and security for local communities.