The Air Component of Operation Fasin Yamma has successfully eliminated no fewer than 95 terrorists in major airstrikes conducted around Ragada and Warari villages in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State.
Sources confirmed that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets intercepted the terrorists around 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday as they were moving from Zamfara.
According to the source, the bandits were moving from the Zamfara axis through Kebbi State down to Niger.
An intelligence source who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the terrorists—numbering over 100—were riding on 108 motorcycles and heavily armed with sophisticated weapons. Their mission was to carry out coordinated attacks in Rijau and Warari axis
“NAF fighter jets intercepted them between Ragada and Warari villages at location general area coordinate 10° 54′ 1.51” N | 5° 25′ 4.96” E in Rijau Local Government Area,” the source stated.
He confirmed that the strike destroyed the bulk of the terrorists’ convoy.
“It has been confirmed that out of the 108 bandits’ motorcycles, only thirteen (13) motorcycles of the bandits escaped, but the remaining were neutralised.”
In the aftermath of the successful operation, residents of the affected areas expressed gratitude for the military’s swift action and the federal government’s resolve in tackling insecurity in the region.
“Residents of the villages of Makuku, Warari, and Ragada in Rijau Local Government Area have expressed their happiness and appreciation to the federal government’s commitment in the ongoing fight against banditry and other criminal elements in the northwest generally,” he said.
The source also noted that local intelligence from within the area had confirmed the information.
