Nigerian Military Strikes Kill Bandit Gangs in Zamfara State

The Nigerian air force recently conducted a successful operation against criminal gangs, termed 'bandits', in the Makakkari forest, leading to substantial casualties among the attackers. This comes amid ongoing violence and kidnappings in the region.

The Nigerian air force has reported significant successes in its ongoing battle against criminal gangs, known locally as "bandits," in Zamfara state. According to an official statement released on Monday, the military carried out an extensive raid in Makakkari forest, which was identified as a hideout for armed groups linked to high-profile kidnappings in the region.

The air force's operation was triggered by intelligence indicating that over 400 gang members were mobilizing to attack a nearby village. In the preceding weeks, armed groups had wreaked havoc in surrounding areas, resulting in numerous fatalities and kidnappings, along with the loss of at least 13 security personnel.

In a combined effort involving aerial bombardments and ground assaults, military spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame confirmed the elimination of several prominent bandit leaders, along with many of their operatives. Ground troops were also successful in intercepting and eliminating fleeing bandits, effectively disrupting the criminal activities in the area.

Nigerian bandits have increasingly turned to kidnapping for ransom, with their operations growing more sophisticated and increasingly aligning with jihadist groups involved in a long-standing armed conflict in the north-east. Despite prior military campaigns, including an operation in the previous month that resulted in 95 gang members being killed, the violence persists, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by the security forces in mitigating these threats.