A number of terrorists were eliminated in a night raid carried out by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
The operation was confirmed by the NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, who stated that the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA had launched a series of independent Air Interdiction missions to assist the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s renewed efforts to eradicate criminal activity in the Northwest.
Akinboyewa noted that the air campaign, dubbed Operation FARAUTAR MUJIYA, commenced with a series of targeted night operations within the strongholds of notorious bandits in Zamfara and Kebbi states.
The first wave of strikes followed reliable intelligence about rising terrorist activity in areas long known as strongholds for notorious bandit warlords.
On November 8, 2024, advanced surveillance and precision targeting enabled NAF assets to execute a surprise aerial assault on multiple camps, including the strategic Sangeko location in Zamfara, near the Kebbi border, and Ado Aleiro’s fortified enclave around Asola Hill in Tsafe Local Government Area.
“The strikes obliterated a major arms depot belonging to notorious bandit leader Ado Aleiro and neutralised many of his fighters,” Akinboyewa said. “The precision bombardment caused widespread shock within criminal networks, severely damaging their operational capabilities.”
Battle Damage Assessments confirmed the significant impact of the strikes, which lasted throughout the night. Several kidnapped victims, previously held by the bandits, were able to escape amid the chaos, making their way to safety in Kebbi State. Some survivors recounted their daring escape.
Akinboyewa added, “The air campaign has not only instilled fear in the hearts of the bandits but also brought a sense of hope to residents long subjected to banditry. These operations underscore the NAF’s growing agility and reaffirm the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security.”
Further updates on Operation FARAUTAR MUJIYA will be provided in the coming days, he said.
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