The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has dealt a devastating blow to terrorism in Niger State with a successful airstrike targeting notorious bandit leader Mallam Saleh.
The operation, carried out on November 16, 2024, by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma, destroyed Saleh’s residence and a major arms depot in the Palele area of Shiroro Local Government.
Mallam Saleh, known as a loyalist of the infamous bandit leader Dogo Gide, had long terrorized Shiroro communities.
He was responsible for countless attacks, kidnappings, and extortion schemes that left many families in anguish.
NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, described the operation as a turning point for the region.
“Saleh’s reign of terror brought untold hardship to vulnerable communities in Shiroro,” Akinboyewa said in a statement.
He added that the strike was carefully planned using critical intelligence to dismantle Saleh’s network and bring relief to the affected communities.
The mission began with NAF surveillance aircraft identifying a group of terrorists moving on motorcycles in the target area.
“NAF assets moved swiftly, unleashing devastating strikes that neutralized the terrorists and destroyed Saleh’s weapons depot,” Akinboyewa revealed.
A secondary explosion confirmed that the munitions were obliterated, effectively crippling the group’s capabilities.
The airstrike also left Saleh’s residence in ruins, marking a significant victory in the fight against banditry in the state.
The operation aligns with the NAF’s logistics strangulation strategy, which focuses on dismantling terrorist infrastructure to weaken their operational abilities.
Akinboyewa highlighted the importance of such targeted strikes in degrading the ability of bandits to organize and launch attacks.
He added, “The impact of this mission is significant, degrading the terrorists’ operational capabilities and enhancing the protection of innocent lives.”
The mission also reflects NAF’s dedication to working closely with ground forces to ensure sustained air dominance in affected regions.
The air force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians through strategic operations, including regular air patrols, real-time intelligence gathering, and precision attacks.
“Our focus remains the safety and security of innocent Nigerians who have been at the receiving end of these bandits’ atrocities,” Akinboyewa stated.
NAF continues to prioritize collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other security forces to ensure long-term peace in troubled regions.
The operation against Mallam Saleh is part of a broader effort by security forces to tackle banditry and terrorism across the country.
In recent months, NAF airstrikes have neutralized key bandit leaders and their loyalists in Zamfara, Kaduna, and other hotspots.
Experts believe that targeting logistics and operational hubs is an effective strategy for weakening terrorist groups.
