NAF Kills Over 20 Terrorists, Foils Planned Attack on Zamfara Communities
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Sunday neutralised over 20 terrorists and destroyed more than 20 motorcycles in Zamfara State, effectively thwarting a coordinated attack planned against several vulnerable communities in Maru Local Government Area.
The operation was launched following credible intelligence indicating that a large number of armed bandits had mobilised south of Mai-Galma, preparing to unleash a deadly assault on unsuspecting villages.
According to military authorities, the terrorists had already killed some farmers and abducted civilians, including women and children, during their advance into the area.
Acting swiftly, the NAF deployed aircraft under Operation FANSAN YAMMA on an armed reconnaissance and potential rescue mission. Upon reaching the target area, surveillance teams spotted over 30 motorcycles conveying armed terrorists heading into the dense forest.
PRNigeria gathered that the bandits reportedly opened fire on sighting the aircraft, prompting a precise and forceful response from the NAF pilots.
“The aircraft engaged the targets with precision strikes, leading to the destruction of several motorcycles and the neutralisation of more than 20 terrorists,” said Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters in a statement today.
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He said the ground troops were immediately deployed to consolidate the gains of the airstrike. They confirmed the scale of damage inflicted on the enemy and secured the surrounding terrain to prevent further movement of insurgents.
However, during the mop-up operation, two local vigilantes lost their lives in the crossfire, and two others sustained injuries
The Air Force, while expressing condolences to the families of the fallen vigilantes, reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with local security outfits and residents to restore peace and protect civilian populations in the troubled North-West region.
“We deeply regret the loss of these brave vigilantes who gave their lives in defence of their communities,” Air Commodore Ejodame stated. “Efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue the kidnapped civilians taken into the adjoining forest.”
The operation was conducted in strict compliance with international humanitarian law and NAF’s Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMRAP), which underscores the importance of safeguarding non-combatants in conflict zones.
This latest offensive marks a significant win in the ongoing fight against terrorism in Zamfara, a state that has witnessed recurring attacks from heavily armed criminal gangs over the past few years.
Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing and that further action will be taken to ensure all threats in the region are neutralised. Meanwhile, the search for abducted villagers continues, as families wait anxiously for news of their loved ones.
By PRNigeria
