The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully neutralized at least 23 bandits in a recent airstrike conducted over the weekend in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Reports indicate that the bandits were linked to the notorious kingpin, Ado Aleiro. According to counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the criminals were attempting to rustle cattle from nearby communities before being intercepted by the military.
Acting on credible intelligence, NAF tracked the large group of bandits to a mountainous region before launching a decisive air assault.
“The bandits had managed to steal several livestock and were making their escape when they encountered resistance from local security forces.
“The troops monitored their movements and waited until they reached the mountainous terrain before surrounding them.
“Once their exact location was confirmed, the Nigerian Air Force deployed air assets to engage the fleeing bandits.
“Eyewitnesses reported that multiple bandits were neutralized in the operation, though the precise number remains unverified,” the report stated.
Another source cited in the report confirmed that at least 23 bandits were eliminated, with several others sustaining injuries.
Following the airstrike, troops from Operation Hadarin Daji reportedly recovered a significant number of rustled cattle.
“This operation is part of the military’s ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist strongholds and combat cattle rustling, which continues to serve as a major funding source for bandit groups operating in Zamfara and neighboring states,” the report concluded.