NAF air strikes kill ’15 bandits’ in Katsina, destroy hideouts

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reportedly killed 15 bandits in a series of air strikes conducted in the Safana LGA of Katsina state.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, reports that the missiles were launched on Sunday and targeted bandit hideouts in Tsaskiya village.

Makama added that the strikes were conducted by the air component of Operation Fasan Yamma, part of Operation Farautar Mujiya, a larger operation aimed at dismantling criminal camps in Shamo and Shafi’u areas.

The report cites intelligence sources as confirming that NAF “achieved a direct hit and neutralised numerous terrorists, while several other bandits sustained varying degrees of injuries”.

“The strike, which occurred around 1:00 a.m., reportedly neutralised 15 bandits, with several others observed being taken for treatment to a chemist’s shop in Tsaskiya, allegedly owned by an individual identified as Jankare,” the source said.

‘FIVE KIDNAP VICTIMS ESCAPE’

At least five kidnap victims reportedly escaped following another air strike by Operation Fasan Yamma in Katsina on Sunday. 

Makama reports that the strike targeted a bandit hideout near Babare Hills.

The publication added that the freed victims — Musa Umar (45), Alhaji Hassan Dando (47), Saminu Ali (35), Yasir Salisu (15), and Muhammad Buhari (17) — were abducted from Jibia’s Bachaka quarters and Lankwasau village in early October.

Makama said four of the victims reached a forward operating base in Faru, where they were transferred to the Jibia army camp for safety.

Musa Umar, the last victim, said the missile destroyed the camp of the bandits, forcing guards to abandon their posts.

Umar, who sought medical help at Jibia General Hospital, said about 30 victims are still held in chains.