Air Delivered event in Nigeria on Mon 2nd March 2026

Air component, ground forces degrade bandits in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama 

The air component, in collaboration with ground tactical teams, has carried out a successful clearance operation in parts of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue, significantly degrading the capacity of bandits operating along the axis.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted on March 1 at about 10:50 a.m. across three council wards of the local government area.

According to the sources, the coordinated aerial and ground offensive targeted identified criminal hideouts and flashpoints believed to be used by armed bandits to launch attacks on surrounding communities.

“The air component provided aerial surveillance and support, while tactical teams advanced on the ground to dislodge the bandits from their positions.

“The operation was successful, and it has considerably weakened their operational capacity in that axis,” the source said.

The teams were said to have returned to base in Makurdi at about 5:00 p.m. on the same day after completing the mission.

The sources said the Military reiterated their commitment to sustaining clearance operations across troubled areas of the state to ensure the safety of lives and property.