The Nigerian Air Force has finally embark on an offensive mission and destroyed eight camps of armed bandits and Herdsmen in Zamfara .

In a comprehensive press release by Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, the spokesman of the Air Force, strikes by Air Task Force (ATF) on operation  Diran Mikiya  has recorded remarkable success, leading to some of the bandits between the Nigeria and Niger Republic border.

He disclosed further that the rate of coordinated air offensive on bandits hideouts has paved way for ground forces to engage in an equally deadly offensive mission to mop up the notorious bandits.

“Yesterday (Tuesday), 9 April 2019, the ATF conducted waves of attacks against several targets. The first wave struck 3 armed bandits locations within Sububu Forest as well as another camp in Kagara Forest. Targets attacked in the second wave were notable armed bandits’ hideouts at Kamarawa, Kunduma and Tsamare Hill, while the third wave focused on armed bandits’ hideouts in Doumborou.

“The ATF also provided close air support‪ to surface forces of Sector 2 to enable them move into the attacked areas to mop-up the fleeing survivors and recover their weapons. So in all, the ATF degraded 8 camps and neutralized scores of armed bandits.”

The spokesman also stated that the ATF is making frantic to block all routes the terrorists can used to escape through the Southern part of Niger Republic.

“Reports indicate that, as a result of the air strikes, ‪some of the bandits are fleeing towards the border between Nigeria and the Niger Republic‪. Accordingly, the ATF is liaising with relevant authorities to ensure that the bandits are prevented from escaping through the Southern part of Niger Republic.

It will be recalled that in a related development on April 1st the Nigerian AirForce has stated that about five bandits have been killed by special forces team of the Nigerian AirForce attacked some villages located around Gusau local government area of Zamfara state.

Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, the  Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, disclosing further that some bandits fled with gunshots wound after the face-off.

“A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Special Forces (SF) Team operating in Zamfara State has successfully repelled attacks by armed bandits who attempted to invade Hayin Mahe and Hayin Kanawa Villages in Gusau Local Government Area.

“The operation, which took place on 31st March 2019, was conducted sequel to intelligence reports indicating that the bandits, who operate from Sububu and Kagara Forests, had attacked the villages and kidnapped some of its inhabitants.

“The timely response of the SF Team resulted in a gun duel with the bandits who eventually fled into the forest. The gallant NAF SF personnel pursued the bandits into the forest, overpowering them and neutralizing 5 bandits, while many others were observed to have run away with various gunshot wounds.

“Three AK-47 rifles with magazines were recovered in the process. Some villagers, who were kidnapped by the fleeing bandits, including 2 women and a child, were freed and handed over to the District Head of Mada Town.

“In a follow-up operation, the NAF SF Team returned to the communities to prevent reprisal attacks by the criminals as well as reassure the populace of their safety.

“The Team, supported by a NAF Alpha Jet and attack helicopters, tracked the fleeing armed bandits to their hideouts within Sububu Forest.

 

 

“The Alpha Jet successfully attacked the armed bandits’ camps while the helicopters scanned the environs for fleeing elements. The local populace was seen expressing confidence by cheering at the helicopters overhead their communities.

“The NAF, working in close coordination with sister Services and other security agencies, will sustain its operations to neutralize the armed bandits and deny them freedom of action in the area.”

 

 

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