The Nigerian Army says troops of the Joint Task Force North West under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have carried out intelligence-led air operations targeting suspected terrorists and armed bandits in parts of Niger and Kaduna states.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Army said the Air Component conducted the operations on June 29 after receiving intelligence reports on the movement and gathering of suspected criminal elements within the Joint Operations Area.
One of the operations took place along the Dogon Dawa axis in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State. According to the Army, credible intelligence, corroborated by human sources, indicated that more than 200 suspected terrorists on motorcycles had converged in the area.
Aerial surveillance reportedly confirmed the movement of the suspects in groups before identifying a large concentration of motorcycles at what the military described as a refuelling point. The Air Component subsequently carried out a precision airstrike on the location.
The Army said a Battle Damage Assessment showed that several suspected terrorists were neutralised, while others fled with injuries toward the Kurugin Maidawa axis.
It added that the operation significantly disrupted the activities of the suspected terrorists, degraded their operational capability, and prevented them from regrouping for further attacks.
In a separate armed reconnaissance mission in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, the Army said intelligence revealed that armed bandits were mobilising to launch reprisal attacks against troops following recent clearance operations in the Womba general area.
According to the statement, air crews intercepted three motorcycles carrying suspected bandits heading toward the Kamuku Forest after the riders attempted to evade detection upon sighting the aircraft.
The military said the operation successfully disrupted the movement of the suspected bandits. Follow-up reconnaissance missions, conducted in coordination with ground troops, reportedly found no further suspicious activity in the area.
The Army said the operations highlight the effectiveness of coordinated air and ground efforts in sustaining pressure on terrorist and bandit groups across the North-West.
The Theatre Commander commended personnel involved in the missions and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining offensive operations until terrorist and bandit enclaves are dismantled and lasting peace is restored across the theatre.
Source: Chimezie Enyiocha Channels News
Leave a comment