Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets have carried out major airstrikes on a bandit stronghold in Sauri, located in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, neutralising scores of terrorists and destroying key structures used for their operations.
The attack severely disrupted the armed groups’ logistics and defensive positions and is expected to significantly diminish their ability to operate in the area. The strikes came just a day after the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, disclosed that the Federal Government had deployed additional troops and issued firm directives to intensify operations against criminal groups across Zamfara.
In a statement released on Saturday, NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the strikes were conducted on November 14 after detailed intelligence and surveillance confirmed heightened terrorist activity at the hideout, where rustled livestock and critical supplies were being concealed.
Acting on the intelligence, the Air Component launched multiple coordinated strikes on the identified locations. The bombardment delivered direct hits, forcing surviving terrorists to flee into nearby forests, where they were tracked and further engaged.
“The successful mission resulted in the neutralisation of numerous terrorists and the destruction of critical structures and logistics points, significantly degrading the criminals’ operational capability in the area,” the statement noted.
Ejodame said the operation aligns with the directive of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, who ordered troops to “find them, hunt them down, and protect our people.”
He added that the action under Operation FANSAN YAMMA reflects the unwavering resolve of the Joint Task Force and the Air Force to deny terrorists safe havens, enhance security in Zamfara, and support wider national efforts to restore lasting peace in the North West.
