The Nigerian Military has neutralised some members armed groups operating along the Katsina and Zamfara axis through operation Hadarin Daji, the Defence Headquarters said.
The Coordinator, Defence Media Operation, Maj. – Gen. John Enenche, made the development know to the media on Thursday evening.
“The Air Component of Operation HADARIN DAJI has neutralised scores of armed bandits in separate operations conducted in Katsina and Zamfara states from 21 to 23 December 2020,” Enemche said.
He said the operations in Katsina State included an airstrike executed on Tuesday after intelligence reports indicated that a group of criminals armed with high calibre weapons had rustled some cattle and attacked commuters along the Batsari-Jibia Road.
“The bandits, who were reportedly retreating with the stolen livestock towards Garin Labo, were tracked and located by a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) attack helicopter as they were heading towards Runka Forest.
“The helicopter unleashed a heavy barrage of rocket fire on the bandits, killing no fewer than 21 of them, as later confirmed by Human Intelligence (HUMINT) sources,” Enenche said.
He also said that in a similar development, on the same day, an attack helicopter on night armed reconnaissance mission over Tsambre Hill and Dunya Forest in Katsina State spotted another group of armed criminals in the forest.
He said the helicopter engaged the terror gang and neutralised 17 of them while some escaped with gunshot wounds.
“The operations in Zamfara State were conducted on 21 and 23 December 2020 sequel to credible HUMINT reports that led to the identification of the hideouts of bandits terrorising communities in Konama District of Maru Local Government Area (LGA) in Zamfara State.
“The Air Component dispatched its attack helicopters to engage the bandits’ hideouts at Yan Uku, neutralising several of them,” the officer added.
Support Our Journalism
There are millions of ordinary people affected by conflict in Africa whose stories are missing in the mainstream media. HumAngle is determined to tell those challenging and under-reported stories, hoping that the people impacted by these conflicts will find the safety and security they deserve.
To ensure that we continue to provide public service coverage, we have a small favour to ask you. We want you to be part of our journalistic endeavour by contributing a token to us.
Your donation will further promote a robust, free, and independent media.
Donate Here
