The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says its airstrikes have eliminated numerous bandits, including key loyalists of infamous bandit leaders Dan-Isuhu and Dogo Sule in Zamfara State.
A statement by the NAF spokesman, Air Cdre Olusola Akinboyewa, said the terrorists were perfecting plans for coordinated attacks against military personnel or civilians along the Tsafe axis before the airstrikes.
He said the airstrikes were executed in continuation of operation FARAUTAR MUJIYA, aimed at eliminating bandit threats in Northwestern Nigeria.
According to the Director, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, on 15 November 2024, carried out air interdiction missions in Zamfara State, which led to the neutralisation of numerous bandits, including key loyalists of infamous bandit leaders Dan-Isuhu and Dogo Sule.
He said the airstrikes targeted a large assembly of bandits in Babban Kauye village, situated in Tsafe local government area of Zamfara State.
He said, “Intelligence sources revealed that the congregation of criminals was perfecting plans for coordinated attacks against military personnel or civilians along the Tsafe axis.”
He said the NAF, upon receiving credible intelligence, launched a series of devastating airstrikes, inflicting significant casualties on the criminal elements.
“Reports from the ground confirmed the successful elimination of numerous high-ranking members of the bandit groups, dealing a severe blow to their operational capacity,” he said.
He reiterated that the Tsafe local government area has long been a flashpoint for bandit activities, with factions loyal to Dan-Isuhu and Dogo Sule notorious for orchestrating violent assaults on local communities, security forces, and vital infrastructure.
According to him, these groups have utilised remote settlements like Babban Kauye as strategic safe havens, from which they coordinate and execute their nefarious operations.
“The latest airstrikes represent a robust response and support for the Theatre Command of Operation FANSAN YAMMA by the NAF, aligning with broader efforts to dismantle and completely degrade bandit networks in the region, disrupt planned attacks to restore peace and stability to the embattled Northwest,” he added.
He reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to working with sister Services and other security agencies to secure the region and the nation as a whole “as we work to eliminate threats posed by terrorists, bandits and all other criminal elements working against the peace and prosperity of our beloved country.”
