NAF airstrike wipes out 23 bandits in Zamfara

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has eliminated at least 23 bandits in a recent airstrike carried out over the weekend in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

According to reports, the bandits are believed to be associates of the notorious kingpin, Ado Aleiro. According to counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the criminals had set out to rustle cattle from nearby communities before they were intercepted by the military.

The report further stated that, acting on credible intelligence, NAF tracked the large group of bandits to a mountainous area before launching the decisive airstrike.

“The bandits succeeded in stealing several livestock and were attempting to escape when they encountered resistance from local security forces.

“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 is yet to be determined,” the report read.

Another source quoted in the report stated that: “At least 23 bandits were killed as well as several others injured.”

After the airstrike, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma also reportedly recovered a large number of rustled cattle.

“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 neighbouring states,” the report added.