Airstrikes by the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji successfully repel bandit threat in Maru Local Government Area, Zamfara State.
The Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) is reported to have dealt a substantial blow to bandit activity in Zamfara State, with over 100 bandits reportedly neutralized.
According to reliable sources, a large group of bandits was observed on Tuesday, moving from a forest in Zamfara State towards Kebbi State, evidently with the intention of launching attacks on villages in the vicinity.
A high-ranking military source confirmed that the bandits became aware of the presence of troops along their intended route, prompting them to retreat towards the Dansadau axis of Maru Local Government Area in Zamfara State.
The Nigerian Air Force swiftly engaged and targeted the group, resulting in the neutralization of over 100 bandits. Additionally, a number of motorcycles were destroyed, and several other bandits sustained injuries of varying degrees.
Reportedly, a mass burial for the deceased terrorists took place in the Sangeko forest in Niger State and Babban Doka in Maru Local Government Area, Zamfara State.
Captain Yahaya Ibrahim, spokesperson for Operation Hadarin Daji, confirmed the airstrikes, but stated that the exact number of casualties is yet to be determined.
Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI) for the Nigerian Air Force, corroborated the airstrikes in Zamfara State but was unable to provide specific casualty figures. In a message to Channels Television, he affirmed, "Yes, indeed, air strikes were conducted on a number of mobile terrorists but I can’t confirm numbers to you."
Zamfara State remains one of the hardest-hit regions by bandit activities in northern Nigeria, alongside states like Niger, Kaduna, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Katsina.
