Air Force strike neutralize 200 bandits in Katsina, Zamfara states

By UBONG UKPONG

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), on Sunday, said that the Air components of its Operation HADARIN DAJI, has neutralised about 200 armed bandits in Katsina State.

Major General John Enenche, Coordinator of the Defence Media Operations (CDMO), who disclosed this in an operation update released in Abuja, said that the bandits were neutralized in a multiple air strikes by troops.

General Enenche said that the mission was in continuation of the offensive to rid the North West of the Country of armed bandits and other criminal elements.

Accordingly, he said: “the Air Component of Operation HADARIN DAJI has neutralized close to 200 armed bandits in multiple air strikes conducted at Ibrahim Mai’Bai’s Camp in Jibia Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State and Kurmin Kura in Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State on 22 and 23 May 2020.

“The air strikes were executed after series of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions led to the confirmation that the 2 locations were being used as hideouts for some notorious armed bandit leaders whilst also serving as collection points for rustled cattle.

“Accordingly, Air Component, employing Nigerian Air Force ground attack aircraft and helicopter gunships, engaged the 2 locations in multiple passes, destroying the makeshift structures in the camps as well as killing the bandit leaders and their fighters.

“Human Intelligence (HUMINT) sources later confirmed that close to 200 armed bandits were killed in the air strikes at the target locations. While commending the troops for their professionalism, the military high command directed them to remain resolute towards eradicating all armed bandits thus achieving the directives of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), to restore normalcy in the North West and North Central Zones of the Country. (Day Independent)