Insecurity: NAF airstrikes neutralise scores of bandits in Niger forest

The High Command of the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, on Thursday, said that the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (AC OPFY) has neutralized scores of bandits and dismantled their logistics base at Alawa Forest in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

This was contained in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, Director of Public Relations and Information of the Service.

According to the statement, “The operation, conducted on 21 January 2025, was based on credible intelligence and follow-up confirmatory aerial surveillance efforts which indicated an influx of armed terrorists into the forest.”

It explained that according to it, criminals were linked to widespread violence, including two Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks on 19 December 2024 in Bassa, Shiroro LGA, which claimed several innocent lives.

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According to it, “In response, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) launched a three-day sustained air operation, code-named KONAN DAJI, to degrade the terrorists’ capabilities and render the forest unhabitable for them.

“To this end, AC OPFY dispatched a formation of fighter aircraft to execute air interdiction missions in the area. Upon arrival, the jets swiftly engaged the identified targets with precision strikes, neutralising numerous armed fighters and destroying their logistics base, as confirmed by multiple secondary explosions.

It added that NAF, in close coordination with ground forces, remained resolute in its commitment to maintaining operational dominance across the region adding their sustained efforts were underway to eliminate all criminal elements from Alawa Forest and surrounding areas, ensuring lasting peace and security for communities in Niger State and beyond.

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