The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is intensifying its aggressive air interdiction campaign – Operation FARAUTAR MUJIYA aimed at eliminating bandit threats in Northwestern Nigeria as its jets eliminated scores of bandits, including key loyalists of infamous bandit kingpins – Dan-Isuhu and Dogo Sule.
NAF Director Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olusola F. Akinboyewa, said in a statement on Sunday evening that the airstrikes became imperative because of intelligence confirmation of of bandits who were “perfecting plans for coordinated attacks against military personnel or civilians along the Tsafe axis.”
Air Commodore Akinboyewa said in the statement that the airstrikes was part of the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA which is also part of the further air interdiction missions executed in Zamfara State, on 15 November 2024.
According to the NAF Spokesperson: “These operations have led to the neutralization of numerous bandits, including key loyalists of infamous bandit leaders Dan-Isuhu and Dogo Sule.
“The airstrikes targeted a large assembly of bandits in Babban Kauye village, situated in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Intelligence sources revealed that the congregation of criminals was perfecting plans for coordinated attacks against military personnel or civilians along the Tsafe axis.
“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.
“Tsafe Local Government Area has long been a flashpoint for bandit activities, with factions loyal to Dan-Isuhu and Dogo Sule notorious for orchestrating violent assaults on local communities, security forces, and vital infrastructure. These groups have utilized remote settlements like Babban Kauye as strategic safe havens, from which they coordinate and execute their nefarious operations.
“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 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.”