The Armed Forces of Nigeria says 82 bandits were killed in airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) component of Operation HADARIN DAJI at Birnin Kogo Forest in Katsina State and Ajjah Forest in Zamfara State, Northwest Nigeria.
Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche, said in a statement on Tuesday night that the operations were executed on the two locations on Monday by NAF fighter jets and helicopter gunships.
According to General Enenche, “no fewer than 67 bandits, armed with very high calibre weapons, including Anti-Aircraft (AA) Guns, have been neutralised and several others injured in air interdiction missions executed by the Air Component of Operation HADARIN DAJI at Birnin Kogo Forest in Katsina State.
“In the same vein, about 15 armed bandits were eliminated in air strikes conducted by the Air Component at Ajjah Forest in Zamfara State.
“Both air strikes were carried out yesterday, 23 November 2020, sequel to credible Human Intelligence (HUMINT) reports as well as aerial surveillance missions that led to the identification of the 2 forest hideouts, which housed scores of the armed bandits along with hundreds of rustled cattle.
“The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets and helicopter gunships dispatched by the Air Component to attack the 2 locations took turns in engaging the target areas, scoring accurate hits on the caves, which are used by the armed bandits to shield themselves from air strikes.
“The Military High Command commends the troops and other security agencies operating in the North West zone for their professionalism and urges them to remain resolute in order to eradicate all armed bandits.
“Members of the public within the affected areas are please requested to promptly report any persons with suspicious injuries to the nearest security or law enforcement agency post.”