Amid speculations that airstrikes in Zamfara State wasted 16 civilian lives, the
Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is claiming that the strikes and synchronised ground assaults killed scores of bandits, leaving many others gravely wounded in Bello Turji’s stronghold at Fakai Hills in Zamfara.
Reports said the strike in Tungar Kara community under Gidan Goga district of Maradun Local Government Area, Zamfara State, hit members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG), local vigilantes and residents, leaving at least 16 people dead.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred shortly after armed bandits raided the area and fled.
Local vigilantes and residents, who were defending their community against the attackers, were reportedly caught in the airstrike.
A lawmaker representing Maradun II Constituency in the Zamfara State House of Assembly Maharazu Salisu Gado Faru confirmed the incident.
He described the airstrike as an accident, stating that it targeted local vigilantes who had mobilized to counter the bandits.
But in a statement the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Olusola Akinboyewa said the assault, conducted under Operation Fansan Yamma, on Friday, underscored the unwavering resolve of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to restore peace and security to the region.
He said that local intelligence reports confirmed that the bandits, loyal to notorious leader Kachallah Bello Turji, suffered heavy casualties.
According to him, scores of bandits were neutralised, while many others, including some 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.
“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,” he said.
According to the spokesman the success of the military action was met with widespread celebrations from locals in Zamfara, who expressed relief and gratitude for the operation’s positive impact.
Akinboyewa disclosed that several kidnapped victims were freed, adding that the air force is committed to coordinating with ground forces to eradicate all forms of criminality in the country.
Said he: “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.”
