The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed delivering a “devastatingly well-coordinated air-ground assault” on January 10, 2025, targeting terrorist hideouts in Zamfara State as part of Operation Fansan Yanma.
“Air strikes and synchronized ground assaults at Fakai Hills decimated scores of bandits, leaving many others gravely wounded,” said Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, Director of NAF Public Relations and Information.
Local intelligence identified the terrorists as followers of notorious bandit leader Kachallah Bello Turji. “Scores of bandits were neutralized, while many others, including some top commanders, sustained varying degrees of injuries,” Akinboyewa added.
Despite the heavy casualties inflicted on the group, Turji’s whereabouts remain unknown, further destabilizing his network.
The operation, executed with real-time coordination from an Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance platform, ensured accurate strikes using rockets and cannons. “The identified targets were swiftly engaged in multiple passes, delivering devastating blows to the enemy,” Akinboyewa noted.
Desperate attempts by fleeing bandits to escape eastward prompted further air engagements, neutralizing additional targets. The offensive freed several kidnapped victims, a development celebrated by locals in Zamfara State.
“This bold operation underscores the unwavering resolve of the Armed Forces to restore peace and security to the region,” Akinboyewa stated, reiterating NAF’s commitment to working with ground forces to combat all forms of criminality and ensure lasting peace in Nigeria.
