Air Delivered event in Nigeria on Mon 10th August 2026

NAF Air Component Strikes Bandits Advancing From Zamfara Into Kebbi, Scores Neutralised 

By Zagazola Makama 

The Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA has conducted a precision air strike on a large formation of armed bandits advancing from Zamfara State into Kebbi State, neutralising scores of the criminals.

The operation which took place on Aug 10, followed intelligence reports indicating that a large group of bandits had emerged from the Sangeko Gap in Zamfara and moved towards Makuku in Kebbi State.

The bandits, estimated at about 240 fighters, were reportedly operating in three groups and moving on motorcycles towards the community.

Following the development, security forces, including troops of the Nigerian Army and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, mobilised to contain the threat, leading to intense engagements with the armed group.

The Air Component subsequently responded with an air interdiction mission against the advancing bandits.

Sources familiar with the operation said the air strikes were carefully executed on identified concentrations of the criminals, resulting in the obliteration of scores of bandits and disrupting their planned movement into the area.

The aerial intervention also provided critical support to ground forces engaged in the operation and helped to prevent the bandits from gaining access to vulnerable communities.

Meanwhile, residents of affected communities commenced precautionary evacuation as security forces intensified efforts to contain the situation and prevent further movement of the bandits.

Further battle-damage assessment is ongoing to determine the full extent of the casualties inflicted on the criminal elements.

The operation highlights the increasing synergy between the Air Component and ground forces under Operation FANSAN YAMMA in disrupting bandit formations and denying them the freedom to mass and conduct attacks across the North-West.