The Katsina State Government has hailed the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its recent precision airstrikes that successfully destroyed notorious bandit hideouts and neutralized several armed criminals in the state.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mua’zu, the government commended the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Sector 2, for executing coordinated strikes on identified bandit enclaves located at Sanusi Dutsinma and Sanusi Iku within the Matallawa Hills in Kankara Local Government Area.
According to the release, the airstrikes were based on credible intelligence from both human and electronic sources, leading to the complete destruction of criminal camps and the killing of several bandits. Six other wounded criminals were reported to have fled the scene.
The military operation also responded to a distress call following an ambush by bandits on Nigerian Police personnel during clearance operations near the Science Secondary School in Kankara. The attack, reportedly led by a notorious kingpin identified as Babaru, resulted in the death of a police inspector and injury to another officer after the gang targeted a Police Armoured Personnel Carrier.
In response, NAF fighter jets were swiftly deployed and neutralized the bandits, who were seen fleeing on motorcycles. Additional strikes were carried out on criminals attempting to escape while blending in with rustled cattle and hiding in dense riverside vegetation, significantly disrupting their movements and activities.
“The Katsina State Government remains committed to working closely with all security agencies to restore peace and order across the state,” said Dr. Mua’zu. He further emphasized that the success of these operations was made possible by reliable intelligence from local communities.
The government also extended its condolences to the family of the fallen police officer and prayed for divine comfort and acceptance of his return by Almighty God.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to support the ongoing military efforts aimed at dismantling bandit networks across the North-West.
