Nigerian Air Force Eliminates Notorious Bandit Leaders In Katsina Airstrike.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully neutralised two notorious bandit leaders, Gero (Alhaji) and Alhaji Riga, along with over 20 of their fighters, in a precision airstrike in Katsina State.
The operation, carried out by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma, targeted fortified bandit camps in Unguwar Goga Hillforest, Ruwan Godiya Ward, in Faskari Local Government Area. The strike took place in the early hours of Wednesday, 13 March.
Significant Blow to Bandit Networks
According to a statement issued by the Deputy NAF Spokesman, Group Captain Kabiru Ali, the airstrikes were based on actionable intelligence and delivered a major setback to criminal elements operating in the region.
“Additional casualties were reported in the surrounding rocky hills, and an assessment of the full extent of the damage is ongoing,” the statement added.
Gero and Riga were key figures in the banditry network, known for providing shelter to terrorist elements responsible for repeated ambushes along the Funtua-Gusau Road, particularly between Yankara and Sheme villages.
Ongoing Commitment to Security
Group Captain Ali described their elimination as a major breakthrough in the military’s ongoing campaign to restore peace and security in the North-West.
“Their elimination marks a major breakthrough in the ongoing military campaign to restore peace in the North-West,” he stated.
He further assured that the NAF, in coordination with ground forces, remains steadfast in its mission to eradicate all threats and dismantle bandit strongholds in the region.
The successful airstrike underscores the Nigerian military’s commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of communities affected by banditry.