Abuja — The Joint Task Force (JTF) North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA said it conducted air operations that neutralised suspected terrorists and disrupted bandit movements in Niger and Kaduna states.
The operations, carried out on June 29 by the Air Component, followed intelligence reports of armed groups assembling and planning attacks within the Joint Operations Area.
According to the JTF, air surveillance identified more than 200 suspected terrorists on motorcycles in the Dogon Dawa axis of Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State. The group was tracked to a location described as a refuelling point before being engaged in a targeted airstrike.
“Following positive target identification, the location was successfully engaged,” the task force said, adding that battle damage assessment confirmed casualties among the ჯგუფ and movement of injured fighters towards the Kurugin Maidawa axis.
The JTF said the strike disrupted planned operations and reduced the group’s ability to regroup.
In Kaduna State, the Air Component carried out an armed reconnaissance mission in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area after receiving intelligence that bandits were mobilising for reprisal attacks.
The task force said three motorcycles carrying suspected bandits heading towards the Kamuku Forest were intercepted.
“The suspects attempted to evade detection upon sighting the aircraft but were successfully engaged, disrupting their movement,” it said.
Follow-up surveillance conducted with ground forces did not detect further activity in the area.
The JTF said the operations reflect coordination between air and land forces in ongoing efforts to target armed groups in the North West.
The Theatre Commander commended personnel involved and said operations would continue.
“Operation FANSAN YAMMA will sustain offensive operations until terrorist and bandit enclaves are dismantled,” the statement said.
