82 bandits killed in military air strikes in Katsina, Zamfara

At least 82 bandits operating in Katsina and Zamfara states have been killed in air strikes carried out by the Nigeria Military according to The Nigerian Defence Headquarters.

The bandits met their waterloo through the efforts of the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji.

According to a statement by the Coordinator of Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche, two air interdictions were carried out at Birnin Kogo Forest in Katsina State and Ajjah Forest in Zamfara state in the week.

General Enenche said that about 67 bandits were neutralized and several others were injured in the air attack on Birnin Kogo Forest, while 15 others were killed at Ajjah Forest.

He said that the bandits were armed with very high caliber weapons including Anti-Aircraft (AA) Guns.

Enenche said that both air strikes were carried out following intelligence report and aerial surveillance missions that led to the identification of the two Forest hideouts.

He reveals that the two hideouts served as a haven for scores of the armed bandits with hundreds of rustled cattle while adding that Nigerian Airforce fighter Jets and helicopter gunships were dispatched to attack the two locations.

“They took turn 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 comments 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 forms of armed banditry.

“Members of the public within the affected areas are requested to promptly report any person with suspicious injuries to the nearest security or law enforcement agency,” he said.