The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully carried out airstrikes in Zamfara State as part of its ongoing Operation Fansan Yamma. The operation, which took place on November 15, 2024, focused on neutralizing bandits who had gathered in the Babban Kauye village, located in Tsafe Local Government Area.
According to a statement by Air Commodore Olusola F. Akinboyewa, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, intelligence reports revealed that a large group of criminals had assembled in the area with plans to launch coordinated attacks against military personnel and civilians along the Tsafe axis.
Upon receiving this credible information, the NAF launched a series of airstrikes aimed at dismantling the bandit groups. “Upon receiving credible intelligence, the NAF launched a series of devastating airstrikes, inflicting significant casualties on the criminal elements.
Reports from the ground confirmed the successful elimination of numerous high-ranking members of the bandit groups, dealing a severe blow to their operational capacity,” the statement said.
Tsafe has been a hotbed for bandit activity, with criminal factions loyal to notorious bandit leaders like Dan-Isuhu and Dogo Sule. These groups have long been responsible for violent attacks on local communities, security forces, and critical infrastructure in the region. Babban Kauye village has often served as a key base for these criminals, from which they planned and launched their operations.
The airstrikes are part of the NAF’s continued efforts to weaken and dismantle bandit networks in the northwest of Nigeria. “The latest airstrikes represent a robust response and support for the Theatre Command of Operation FANSAN YAMMA by the NAF, aligning with broader efforts to dismantle and completely degrade bandit networks in the region, disrupt planned attacks with a view to restoring peace and stability to the embattled Northwest,” the statement continued.
“The NAF remains resolute in its mission, in collaboration with sister Services and other security agencies to secure the region and indeed the nation as a whole, as we work to eliminate threats posed by terrorists, bandits, and all other criminal elements working against the peace and prosperity of our beloved country,” the statement added.
