Dozens Eliminated as NAF Shells Bandits Convoy in Niger, Recovers Rustled Cattle
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has neutralised several armed bandits and disrupted their movements in a series of precision airstrikes conducted along the Mariga axis of Niger State, PRNigeria learnt.
The operation, carried out after credible intelligence and surveillance tracking, targeted a large convoy of gunmen moving with stolen cattle across several communities.
According to field reports, the air interdiction strikes were executed under the ongoing intensive counter-banditry campaign, focusing on the Yabawa, Bazana, Awallah, Dankolo, and Kumbashi areas, extending towards Kakihum in Mariga Local Government Area.
Local sources confirmed that the airstrikes struck the bandits as they attempted to move stolen herds from Ragada and nearby settlements. Several of the criminals were killed instantly, while others fled into surrounding forests, abandoning the stolen cattle.
A resident of Ragada, who narrowly escaped from the bandits during the operation, recounted his experience. “When the jet began bombing, God saved me. That was how I escaped from their hands,” he said, expressing gratitude to the Nigerian Air Force for what he described as a life-saving intervention.
Multiple eyewitnesses reported hearing successive explosions followed by heavy smoke, describing the strikes as swift, precise, and well-coordinated.
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Ground troops of the Nigerian Army stationed in Rijau, Warari, and Gulbin Boka reportedly supported the operation by blocking escape routes and reinforcing security around nearby communities hosting internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Residents and community leaders in Mariga hailed the operation as one of the most decisive military responses against bandit elements in recent months.
Mallam Musa Ali, a local leader from Kumbashi, commended the security forces for their professionalism and bravery. “We have not slept peacefully for months, but this operation has brought hope. The Air Force and soldiers have shown that the government is serious about ending banditry,” he said.
Intelligence sources further revealed that another armed group, also moving with stolen cattle from Magama Local Government Area, was sighted heading towards the Kakihum–Kumbashi axis, indicating that follow-up operations may soon be launched.
The latest offensive forms part of ongoing coordinated air and ground operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and bandit networks across Niger State and the wider North Central region. Local security monitors said at least seven armed groups have been active within the Mariga–Rijau–Magama corridor in recent weeks, but sustained air interdictions have disrupted several of their attack plans.
Residents of Yabawa, Awallah, and Dankolo expressed optimism that the intensified operations would restore peace and enable displaced families to return to their communities.
By PRNigeria
