Scores killed as Military jets bombard bandits’ camp in Zamfara

Fighter jets have destroyed bandits’ camps in another massive bombardment of Kwiambana forest in Zamfara, the Nigerian Military has said.

Scores of bandits were killed in the air interdiction conducted by the Air Component of the Operation Hadarin Daji.

According to a statement by the Coordinator Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets and helicopter gunships were dispatched to attack the location after intelligence reports established that some structures hidden under dense forest were used as hideout by Islamic State of West African Province ( ISWAP) fighters and bandits led by one of the criminals known as Dogo Gede.

The statement reads: “In continuation of the sustained onslaught against armed bandits and other criminal elements in the North-West and North-Central States of the Country, the Air Component of Operation HADARIN DAJI has attacked another armed bandits’ camp in the Southwestern part of Kwiambana Forest in Zamfara State, neutralizing scores of their fighters.

“This was achieved through air strikes executed on 10 July 2020 after Human Intelligence (HUMINT) reports and series of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions established that a group of structures hidden under the dense forest vegetation served as hideouts for suspected Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements and fighters under the notorious armed bandit kingpin, Dogo Gede”.

It added: “The Air Component therefore dispatched a force package of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets and helicopter gunships to attack the location.

”The attack aircraft took turns in engaging the target causing damage to some structures in the camp and neutralizing scores of the criminals.

Several bandits, who were seen attempting to flee on foot and on about 15 motorcycles, were mopped-up in follow-on attacks by the helicopters.

HUMINT sources later revealed that several of the bandits were neutralized and their motorcycles destroyed as a result of the air strikes.

“The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, commends the Air Component of Operation HADARIN DAJI for their professionalism and urges them to remain resolute in the conduct of air strikes whilst continuing to provide close air support for ongoing ground operations in order to eradicate all armed bandits.

Furthermore, the Armed Forces of Nigeria sincerely appreciates the continued support and cooperation of all well-meaning Nigerians, as we keep up the tempo of our operations to defeat all enemies of our Great Nation”.