NAF airstrike eliminates 23 bandits in Zamfara
At least 23 bandits were reportedly killed by a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrike in Tsafe Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State over the weekend.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the operation was based on coordinated intelligence.
The report stated that a large group of bandits, suspected to be relatives of notorious kingpin Ado Aleiro, had left Tsafe LGA to rustle cattle from nearby communities. Troops tracked them to a mountainous area, waiting until they were in a vulnerable position before launching an assault.
“The bandits succeeded in stealing several livestock and were attempting to escape when they encountered resistance from local security forces,” the report reads.
“The troops tracked the rustlers and waited until they reached a mountainous area before surrounding them.
“Once their location was confirmed, the Nigerian Air Force deployed air assets to engage the fleeing bandits.”
Eyewitnesses confirmed that several bandits were eliminated in the operation, though the exact number remains uncertain. However, a source quoted in the report stated that at least 23 bandits were killed, with several others sustaining injuries.
Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma also reportedly recovered a large number of rustled cattle during the operation.
“This is part of the military’s ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist strongholds and curb cattle rustling, which remains a key source of funding for bandit groups operating in Zamfara and neighboring states,” the report added.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force has yet to officially confirm the number of casualties, as its spokesperson, Olusola Akinboyewa, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
