No fewer than 23 bandits were reportedly killed by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara over the weekend.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert, the operation was based on coordinated intelligence.
It was reported that a large group of bandits, suspected to be relatives of notorious kingpin Ado Aleiro, had left Tsafe LGA to rustle cattle from nearby communities.
He added that troops tracked the rustlers to a mountainous area, waiting until they were in a vulnerable position before surrounding them.
“The bandits succeeded in stealing several livestock and were attempting to escape when they encountered resistance from local security forces,” the report reads.
“The troops tracked the rustlers and waited until they reached a mountainous area before surrounding them.
“Once their location was confirmed, the Nigerian Air Force deployed air assets to engage the fleeing bandits.
“Eyewitnesses confirmed that several bandits were eliminated in the operation, though the exact number is yet to be determined.”
Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma also reportedly recovered a large number of rustled cattle during the operation.
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