NAF airstrikes decimate bandit convoy in Kebbi–Zamfara axis

In a major breakthrough in the fight against banditry, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has carried out a series of precision airstrikes that successfully neutralised a large group of armed bandits operating along the Kebbi–Zamfara corridor.

The operation, executed under the ongoing military campaign codenamed Operation FANSAN YAMMA, took place on July 9, 2025. According to a statement released Thursday by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, the strikes were launched based on credible, actionable intelligence.

The intelligence reports had tracked the movement of nearly 150 motorcycles—each reportedly carrying two armed individuals—traveling in separate batches near Yarbuga, a community in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The airstrikes were said to have been timed with precision to target and eliminate the advancing threat before they could disperse or regroup.

“After positive identification confirming the hostile presence, NAF aircraft engaged the convoy with devastating accuracy. Survivors were seen fleeing on foot and motorcycles, as air assets maintained persistent overwatch and executed follow-up strikes, effectively disrupting enemy withdrawal routes,” the statement noted.

Ground forces were  said to have been deployed to the area on July 10, following the aerial assault. During their mission in Yarbuga village, troops discovered the bodies of numerous terrorists, a cache of weapons, and several motorcycles destroyed in the bombardment.

“Following the airstrikes, ground troops conducted a follow-up exploit mission to Yarbuga village on the morning of 10 July 2025. At the scene, remains of scores of terrorists and their weapons were found in the area, along with several burnt motorcycles. This joint air–ground operation dealt a significant blow to bandit networks in the region. It underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering commitment to protecting civilian lives, denying terrorists freedom of action and supporting ground forces to ensure lasting peace across the country,” the statement added.