Scores of terrorists were eliminated in Zamfara State following airstrikes conducted by Nigerian Air Force fighter jets on their stronghold at Sauri in Tsafe Local Government Area.
The operation also destroyed key structures and logistical points used by the armed groups, which is expected to considerably weaken their capacity to operate in the region.
The development followed the announcement by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mattawale, that the Federal Government had deployed additional military personnel and directed decisive measures against armed groups across the state.
According to a statement issued by the Nigerian Air Force spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Saturday, the strikes took place on 14 November, after comprehensive intelligence gathering and surveillance identified significant terrorist activities, including the concealment of rustled livestock in a high-ground hideout that served both as a defensive position and a logistics hub.
The statement explained that the Air Component, acting on the intelligence, carried out multiple coordinated airstrikes on the targets, achieving direct hits that forced surviving terrorists to flee into surrounding vegetation, where they were subsequently tracked and engaged effectively.
The operation led to the elimination of numerous terrorists and the destruction of critical structures and logistical points, which substantially degraded the operational capabilities of the armed groups in the area.
The statement noted that the action by the Air Component reinforced the directive of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, to locate, engage, and neutralise terrorist elements in order to protect civilians.
The statement further highlighted that the mission demonstrated the firm commitment of the Joint Task Force and the Nigerian Air Force under Operation FANSAN YAMMA to deny terrorists safe havens, enhance security in Zamfara State, and contribute to broader national efforts aimed at restoring enduring peace and stability across the North West region.
