The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has killed several armed bandits in a series of airstrikes along the Kebbi–Zamfara border, dealing a major blow to terrorist operations in the region.
In a statement released in Abuja on Thursday, NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet said the strikes were carried out on Wednesday under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, targeting a convoy of armed terrorists moving on motorcycles near arbuga village in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
“Intelligence confirmed the movement of nearly 150 motorcycles, each carrying armed bandits in batches,” the statement read. “NAF aircraft engaged the convoy with precision strikes, causing heavy casualties.”
Survivors were seen fleeing on foot and motorbikes, but NAF air assets maintained surveillance and launched additional strikes to cut off escape routes.
Following the air operation, ground troops moved into Yarbuga on Thursday morning, where they discovered several dead bandits, weapons, and burnt motorcycles.
The Air Force said the coordinated air and ground attack had disrupted bandit activities and helped deny them safe movement in the region.
The operation is part of the military’s ongoing efforts to wipe out criminal gangs in Nigeria’s Northwest, where banditry has claimed thousands of lives and displaced communities in recent years.