Nigerian Army eliminates over 20 bandits in Zamfara air strike, suffers vigilante casualties

In a bold offensive against the scourge of banditry, the Nigerian Army has reportedly neutralized over 20 armed bandits in a coordinated air strike across Maraya and Wabi villages in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The operation, which took place on Saturday, is part of Operation Fansan Yanma, a renewed military campaign aimed at rooting out criminal elements terrorizing communities in the region.

According to Zagazola Makama, a respected counter-insurgency outlet tracking security developments in the Lake Chad region, the precision air strike was swiftly followed by a ground exploitation mission conducted by troops on June 1 to consolidate gains and secure the area.

Makama said the mission confirmed the neutralisation of over 20 bandits and the destruction of several motorcycles and other equipment.

“Unfortunately, five vigilante members were killed, while two others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment in the hospital. A few others sustained minor injuries and did not require hospitalisation,” the publication said.

The leader of the vigilante group has taken “full responsibility” for the casualties, admitting that some members disregarded instructions to withdraw from the outskirts of the village before the air strike.

“He admitted that despite being informed of the imminent air operation, some of the vigilante youths insisted on pursuing the fleeing bandits and were still within the target area when the aircraft struck,” the publication added.

Recall that in February, a Nigerian Air Force fighter jet killed six members of a family following an air strike targeting armed gangs in Katsina state.