Nigerian Air Force air strikes have killed over 20 bandits and disrupted a planned advance by armed groups towards vulnerable communities.
The operation also helped ground troops repel the criminal elements, who were reportedly moving in large numbers on motorcycles and preparing to penetrate neighbouring communities.
It was gathered that the operation was carried out early Monday after intelligence reports indicated that a large bandit formation had emerged from the Sangeko Gap in Zamfara State and was heading towards Makuku in neighbouring Kebbi State.
A military source aware of the operation said the bandits had assembled in three separate groups, with the combined force estimated at about 240 fighters.
The development prompted a coordinated response involving Nigerian Army troops and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, who moved to contain the threat before the criminals could reach their intended destination.
As ground forces engaged the bandits, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA launched an aerial interdiction mission against the armed group.
According to the military source, the strikes targeted identified concentrations of the bandits, killing over 20 fighters and scattering the remaining members of the formation.
“The air operation significantly disrupted the bandits’ movement and prevented them from advancing as planned,” the military source familiar with the operation said.
Also, the aerial assault provided vital support to troops operating on the ground, limiting the ability of the armed group to regroup and gain access to vulnerable settlements.
Meanwhile, residents in some affected communities were subsequently reported to have begun precautionary evacuation as the military intensified efforts to prevent further movement by the criminals.
As of the time of filing this report, further assessment of the strike is ongoing to establish the full extent of the casualties and determine the total numbers of bandits that were neutralised during the operation.