Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Nigerian Army on Tuesday said intelligence-driven air operations conducted by troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, neutralised several terrorists and disrupted suspected bandit activities in parts of Niger and Kaduna states.
According to the Army, the operations were carried out by the Air Component on June 29 and targeted suspected terrorist and bandit movements within the Joint Operations Area.
In Niger State, troops acted on intelligence reports indicating that more than 200 suspected terrorists on motorcycles had assembled in the Dogon Dawa area of Shiroro Local Government Area.
The Army said aerial surveillance confirmed the movement of armed suspects in groups before a large concentration of motorcycles was spotted at what was believed to be a refuelling point.
It stated, “Acting on credible intelligence, corroborated by human intelligence sources, indicating the convergence of over 200 suspected terrorists on motorcycles in the Dogon Dawa axis of Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, the Air Component executed a precision airstrike against the terrorists.”
The military added that post-strike assessments showed the operation inflicted significant losses on the group.
“Battle Damage Assessment confirmed that several terrorists were neutralised, while others were observed fleeing with injuries towards the Kurugin Maidawa axis,” the statement said.
The Army noted that the strike disrupted the terrorists’ activities, weakened their operational capacity and limited their ability to regroup for future attacks.
In a separate operation in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, the Air Component launched an armed reconnaissance mission following intelligence that bandits were mobilising for reprisals against troops after recent clearance operations in the Womba area.
The military said three motorcycles carrying suspected bandits were intercepted while moving towards the Kamuku Forest, forcing them to abandon their movement after attempting to evade detection.
It added that follow-up surveillance carried out with ground troops found no further suspicious activity in the area.
The Army said the operations highlighted the growing effectiveness of coordinated air and ground offensives against terrorist and bandit networks.
“The Theatre Commander commends the professionalism and synergy displayed by the Air and Land Components and reassures the public that Operation FANSAN YAMMA will continue to sustain offensive operations until all terrorist and bandit enclaves are dismantled and lasting peace and security are restored across the theatre.” The statement added
