The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has carried out precision airstrikes against a large group of armed bandits reportedly attempting to move from Zamfara State into Kebbi State.
The operation was conducted by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA following intelligence on the movement of the armed group towards vulnerable communities in Kebbi.
According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the bandits were reportedly travelling from the Sangeko Gap area of Zamfara towards Makuku in Kebbi State.
The group was said to comprise about 240 fighters, divided into three formations and moving on motorcycles.
Following the intelligence, Nigerian Army troops and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force were mobilised to confront the advancing group, resulting in intense engagements in the area.
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The Nigerian Air Force subsequently launched an air interdiction mission after detecting the bandits’ movement.
The airstrikes reportedly targeted identified concentrations of the armed group, with scores of bandits feared killed and their planned advance disrupted.
The aerial operation also provided support to ground troops involved in the confrontation and helped prevent the fighters from advancing further into surrounding communities.
Residents in some affected areas reportedly began precautionary evacuation as security forces intensified operations to contain the threat.
Zagazola Makama said assessment of the operation was still ongoing to establish the full extent of casualties inflicted on the bandits.
The latest operation comes amid continued military efforts to prevent armed groups operating in north-western Nigeria from expanding into neighbouring communities and states.
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