NAF Air Strike, Ground Troops Wipe Out Dozens of Bandits in Zamfara

Security forces have recorded a major victory against bandit groups in Zamfara State, killing more than 60 suspected criminals during a joint military operation.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the operation, which combined Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrikes and a ground assault by troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, took place on Monday at Matseri in Anka Local Government Area.

Personnel from 1 Brigade and 8 Division Sector 2 made the discovery of the bodies following the aerial bombardment. The strikes targeted over 400 terrorists, including several notorious leaders, who had gathered in Makakkari Forest spanning Anka and Bukuyum LGAs.

The coordinated attack is believed to have neutralised more than 100 terrorists in total, with several others fleeing with injuries. Military sources say the operation also foiled a planned retaliatory strike by the bandits after recent confrontations with security forces.

Troops further repelled attempts by surviving bandits to recover the bodies of their dead comrades, using heavy artillery to drive them back.

Clearance and patrol missions are still underway to ensure the criminals do not regroup in the area, marking another significant blow to bandit activities in the region.