At least 23 bandits were reportedly killed by missiles from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara over the weekend. 

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the operation was based on coordinated intelligence.

The report noted that a large group of bandits, suspected to be relatives of notorious kingpin Ado Aleiro, had left Tsafe LGA to rustle cattle from nearby communities.

It added that troops tracked the rustlers to a mountainous area, waiting until they were in a vulnerable position before surrounding them.

“The bandits succeeded in stealing several livestock and were attempting to escape when they encountered resistance from local security forces,” the report reads.

“The troops tracked the rustlers and waited until they reached a mountainous area before surrounding them.

“Once their location was confirmed, the Nigerian Air Force deployed air assets to engage the fleeing bandits.

“Eyewitnesses confirmed that several bandits were eliminated in the operation, though the exact number is yet to be determined.”

Another source quoted in the report stated that: “At least 23 bandits were killed as well as several others injured.”

Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma also reportedly recovered a large number of rustled cattle during the operation.

“This is part of the military’s ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist strongholds and curb cattle rustling, which remains a key source of funding for bandit groups operating in Zamfara and neighbouring states,” the report added.

Olusola Akinboyewa, NAF’s director of public relations and information, did not immediately respond to requests for comments on the operation.