A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) operation, conducted under Operation Fansan Yamma, has resulted in the destruction of bandit hideouts and the neutralisation of more than 20 criminals in Katsina State.

The precision airstrike, which took place in the early hours of March 13th, targeted the Unguwar Goga hill forest within the Ruwan Godiya ward of the Faskari Local Government Area.

The operation, based on actionable intelligence, focused on fortified camps belonging to notorious bandit leaders, Alhaji Gero and Alhaji Riga.

The NAF successfully destroyed these camps, inflicting significant casualties.

“The airstrikes resulted in the neutralisation of over 20 criminals, with additional casualties reported in the surrounding rocky hills.” According to Group Captain Kabiru Ali, NAF’s Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, the operation had a “decisive impact” on the criminal elements.

“An assessment of the full extent of the damage is currently underway,” he stated.

Alhaji Gero and Alhaji Riga were identified as key enablers of banditry in the region, providing shelter and logistical support to terrorist elements responsible for frequent ambushes along the Funtua-Gusau road, particularly between Yankara and Sheme.

Their operations had contributed significantly to the instability and insecurity faced by residents in the area.

“This operation marks a significant breakthrough in the military’s ongoing campaign to restore peace in the North-West region,” a military analyst commented.

“The elimination of these key figures disrupts the bandits’ operational capabilities and weakens their network.”