LAGOS, Nigeria
The Nigerian Air Force announced Friday that it had killed scores of terrorists, known locally as bandits, in north-central Niger State.
The bandits were killed during the "Operation FANSAN YAMMA Sector 1" airstrike mission, which was supported by ground troops and targeted those responsible for recent attacks in Nigeria.
Ehimen Ejodame, director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, said in a statement that the airstrikes were carried out between Tuesday and Thursday in response to credible intelligence.
He stated that through inter-service and inter-agency cooperation, the NAF discovered terrorist activities involving attacks and cattle rustling in the Kakihun and Kumbashi communities.
“Swiftly deploying air assets, the Air Component executed multiple waves of precision strikes that neutralized scores of terrorists, destroyed their logistics, and disrupted regrouping efforts.
“The operation demonstrated NAF’s professionalism, rapid response capability, and strong coordination with ground forces and other agencies.
“The Nigerian Air Force remains resolutely committed to protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians and ensuring lasting peace across the country,” his statement read.
While the military statement did not specify how many terrorists were killed in the operations, multiple military sources told Anadolu that at least 60 bandits were eliminated.
"The operations were harsh on the criminals. They suffered significant losses. Approximately 60 terrorists were killed. We are committed to ensuring Nigeria's safety. We cannot keep allowing terrorists to take control," a military source told Anadolu, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak.
Banditry in Nigeria, particularly in the northwest and north-central regions, poses a significant security challenge. These groups are notorious for their brutality, frequently attacking villages, kidnapping residents for ransom, and looting property.
President Bola Tinubu has taken a firm stance against bandits and terrorists in Nigeria, urging them to surrender or face decisive action from the government.