Military launches airstrikes on bandits moving from Zamfara to Kebbi
The Nigerian military has launched airstrikes against suspected bandits moving from Zamfara State towards Kebbi State, with security sources reporting heavy casualties among the armed group.
The operation was conducted by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA after intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets detected the movement of the terrorists along the Zamfara-Kebbi border.
The bandits were reportedly seen emerging from the Sangeko Gap in Zamfara State and moving towards Makuku in Kebbi State on motorcycles.
According to security sources, the group comprised more than 200 armed men who divided themselves into three formations as they advanced towards the community.
Following the detection, troops from the Nigerian Army’s Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion 3 under 8 Division, alongside personnel of the Mobile Police Force and other security agencies, were deployed to contain the movement.
Ground troops engaged the bandits while the Air Component provided aerial support.
The military subsequently conducted precision airstrikes on identified concentrations of the armed group.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama said the strikes inflicted significant casualties and disrupted the planned movement of the bandits into Kebbi State.
Sources familiar with the operation said the airstrikes targeted identified concentrations of the criminals, reportedly killing scores of bandits and preventing them from advancing further into the area.
The aerial operation also provided support to troops on the ground and helped block the armed group from reaching vulnerable communities.
Residents flee border communities
The movement of a large number of armed men has heightened tension in communities around the Zamfara-Kebbi border, with some residents reportedly relocating temporarily to safer areas.
Security forces have continued ground operations to block the bandits’ routes and prevent them from gaining access to surrounding communities.
Residents have also been advised to remain vigilant and comply with security instructions while the operation continues.
The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army/Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, confirmed the ongoing operation.
Osoba said the operation was still underway and that further details would be released after the military completed its assessment.
Military assesses casualties
A battle-damage assessment is expected to determine the full extent of casualties and damage resulting from the airstrikes.
Although reports have indicated that the operation inflicted heavy losses on the bandits, the military had not, at the time of filing, released an official casualty figure confirming reports that more than 240 fighters were killed.
The operation is part of the military’s wider efforts across the North-West to disrupt bandit networks, prevent attacks on rural communities, rescue kidnapped victims and restrict the movement of armed groups between states.
