Air and Ground Troops Crushes Bandit Strongholds in Zamfara, Rescue Victims, as Key Bandits fled Amid Collateral Damage

Air and Ground Troops Crushes Bandit Strongholds in Zamfara, Rescue Victims, as Key Bandits fled Amid Collateral Damage

By: Zagazola Makama

Zamfara State has witnessed a major breakthrough in the fight against banditry as troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force, executed a series of well-coordinated operations that decimated notorious bandit camps and freed kidnapped victims in the state.

The offensive saw a daring air-ground assault on January 10, 2025, targeting bandit enclaves in the Fakai Hills of Shinkafi Local Government Area. Intelligence reports had confirmed the presence of high-profile bandit leaders, including Kachallah Bello Turji, whose criminal network has terrorized communities for years.

The operation began with aerial surveillance, which confirmed the presence of scores of bandits and their commanders. Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft launched precise strikes, targeting the bandits with rockets and cannons, leading to heavy casualties. Real-time coordination between the aircrew and ground troops ensured accurate target engagement, leaving over 25 bandits neutralized and several others gravely injured.

The aircrew observed bandits fleeing in disarray, abandoning their weapons and motorcycles. Ground forces advanced to consolidate the aerial gains, recovering stolen property and rescuing multiple kidnapped victims. Local sources confirmed that several bandits loyal to Bello Turji were either killed or seriously injured during the operation.

While Turji’s exact whereabouts remain unknown, the impact of the assault has forced him and other infamous bandit leaders, including Ado Allero and Dan Isihu, into hiding.

Aleiro is continuously shifting locations to evade capture, due to the mounting pressure that bandits face from security forces.

Aleiro, was reported to have retreated into hiding in a remote village within Eastern Tsafe, specifically in the area known as Asaula in a separate operation Amid the ongoing battle against armed banditry in the villages of Eastern and Western Tsafe.

During one of the troops strategic ambushes strategic ambushes, Aleiro’s brother, Dan Isihu, the notorious bandits kingpin who recently imposed N172million on 25 villages, was engaged in a heavy fire after encountering with the ground troops along the Kyaware road.

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