The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Sunday said troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA delivered a crushing blow to banditry in Zamfara state, through a coordinated air-ground assault executed on 10 January 2025.
A statement by NAF spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, disclosed that the air strikes and synchronised ground assaults at Fakai Hills decimated scores of bandits, leaving many others gravely wounded.
He said the bold operation underscored the unwavering resolve of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to restore peace and security to the region.
Akinboyewa disclosed that local intelligence reports confirmed that the bandits, loyal to notorious leader, Kachallah Bello Turji, suffered heavy casualties.
He said scores of bandits were neutralised, while many others, including some of their top commanders, sustained varying degrees of injuries.
“Sequel to the fierce engagement, Kachallah Turji’s whereabouts remain unknown, adding further pressure on his crumbling network,” he said.
The NAF image maker noted that the operation was meticulously executed, with real-time coordination from an Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance platform overhead, ensuring accurate target correlation.
“The identified targets were swiftly engaged using rockets and cannons in multiple passes, delivering devastating blows to the enemy.
“The aircrew maintained visual and radio contact with the ground troops. The bandits, in a desperate bid to escape, were observed fleeing eastward of the hill, prompting further engagements that successfully neutralized additional targets.
“This resounding success has been met with widespread celebrations from locals in Zamfara State, who expressed relief and gratitude for the operation’s positive impact. In a heartening outcome, several kidnapped victims were also freed, bringing hope to many families affected by the banditry.” he said.
Akinboyewa further stated that the resounding success had been met with widespread celebrations from locals in Zamfara, who expressed relief and gratitude for the operation’s positive impact.
According to him, several kidnapped victims were also freed, bringing hope to many families affected by the banditry.
“The NAF has reiterated its unwavering commitment to coordinating with ground forces to eradicate all forms of criminality in the country.
“Together, we will defeat all enemies militating against the security of our territories and wellbeing of our people, paving the way for the peace and prosperity of our Great Nation,” the NAF also added.
…25 terrorists neutralised
But a similar version of the story by the Coordinator Joint Media Coordination Centre Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt.-Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, said 25 terrorists were killed during the onslaught.
In a statement Sunday, Abdullahi said some of the camps cleared include that of Bello Turji and Mallam Ila, where more than 18 other terrorists sustained gunshot wounds, thus delivering a setback to the terrorist network.
“The Troops of Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma successfully dismantled terrorist hideouts in the Fakai area of Shinkafi Local Government Area (LGA), Zamfara State, on 10 January 2025”.
The statement further said seven kidnapped victims were able to escape from the terrorists’ camps during the operation.
He said troops would continue to pursue and neutralise all terrorist elements within its joint operation area.
“We therefore warn all terrorist kingpins and their associates to surrender and renounce violence unconditionally, as our troops remain committed to eradicating these threats,” said the statement.
The troops assured the public of their dedication to restoring peace and security in the affected communities.
…Gov Lawal lauds troops
Meanwhile, Zamfara state Governor Dauda Lawal has commended the troops in the renewed onslaught against terrorists in the state.
The NAF, in a successful airstrike over the weekend, decisively targeted the criminal elements attacking villages in Zurmi and Maradun local government areas.
In a statement issued Sunday in Gusau, the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, expressed deep condolences to the families of civilian casualties affected by the airstrike at Tungar Kara in Zurmi LGA.
The statement clarified that the civilian casualties were members of the local vigilante who were mistakenly identified as the bandits fleeing from Gidan Makera in the Boko district of Zurmi LGA.
He said: “We have received multiple positive reports of precision strikes carried out by the Air Component of Operation Fansar Yamma over the weekend in troubled Maradun and Zurmi local government areas.
“This intervention by the military has significantly degraded the operational capacity of the bandits and has shown the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force to carrying out its constitutional mandate of protecting civilians and safeguarding the lives and property of the people.
“As a responsible government, we assure all the people of the State that the Government of Zamfara State remains steadfast in its resolve to sustain the gains made in the fight against banditry and related criminalities. The recent success indicates that the collaborative efforts between the state and federal security agencies yield positive results.
“In light of these achievements, the state government reaffirms its commitment to providing all necessary support to the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies to sustain their operations and bring lasting peace to the state.
“We will continue to offer support to enhance intelligence sharing, provide logistics, and strengthen community engagement, all in the spirit of a comprehensive approach to security and achieving the ultimate goal of restoring normalcy across all parts of the state,” the statement said.
However, the governor said: “Regrettably, some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) and local vigilantes were also affected during the operation in Tungar Kara, resulting in the loss of lives. We pray to Almighty Allah to grant them Jannah.
“The state government extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen JTF personnel and assures them that the sacrifices of the deceased will not go in vain. The government will provide necessary support and assistance to the bereaved families.
“Finally, the government calls on people to be vigilant, report all suspicious activities, and cooperate fully with security personnel. Through collective effort and unity of purpose, the fight against banditry can be won, bringing enduring peace and stability to Zamfara State.” (Additional reports from NAN)