August 07, (THEWILL) — Dozens of suspected bandits have been neutralised following precision airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force during a mass wedding gathering at Asaulu Hill in Yankuzo Ward, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The air raids, carried out by the air component of Operation FANSAR YANAYI under the Nigerian Air Force’s Sector 2 Command, reportedly struck the heavily armed bandits on Tuesday, August 5, during the peak of the celebration.
Security analyst, Zagazola Makama, disclosed that the strikes were based on credible intelligence which revealed that several bandit factions from various enclaves had converged for a mass wedding in the rugged hilltop location.
“At exactly 1444 hours, field operatives confirmed the presence of a large number of bandits, some riding over 100 motorcycles, at the venue.
“In response, a fighter jet was swiftly deployed and the strike was executed around 1600 hours, catching the terrorists by surprise,” Makama said.
The air raid reportedly resulted in dozens of casualties, with many others severely wounded. Survivors were said to have fled the scene, carrying the injured to Yankuzo village and other surrounding areas for treatment.
Makama further revealed that at least 10 identifiable bodies were recovered hours after the strike, while several others were burnt beyond recognition.
Local sources confirmed that no fewer than 33 injured bandits were receiving makeshift treatment at the Comprehensive Health Centre in Yankuzo and in nearby settlements.
“Some of the injured are being secretly treated by unqualified health workers.
“ It is therefore recommended that ground troops conduct mop-up operations at the strike site and at suspected recovery locations like Yankuzo village,” he added.
The Nigerian military is yet to release an official statement on the operation.
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