NAF precision airstrikes ‘roast’ dozens of bandits along Zamfara-Kebbi route

In a coordinated military operation, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has carried out a series of precision airstrikes that neutralised a large group of armed bandits moving through the Kebbi–Zamfara axis.

The operation, conducted under the ongoing campaign codenamed Operation FANSAN YAMMA, took place on July 9, 2025. According to a statement issued Thursday by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, the strikes were based on actionable intelligence.

The intelligence reportedly tracked the movement of nearly 150 motorcycles, each carrying two armed individuals, travelling in batches near Yarbuga in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

“After positive identification confirming the hostile presence, NAF aircraft engaged the convoy with devastating accuracy. Survivors were seen fleeing on foot and motorcycles, as air assets maintained persistent overwatch and executed follow-up strikes, effectively disrupting enemy withdrawal routes,” the statement noted.

Ground forces were  said to have been deployed to the area on July 10, following the aerial assault. During their mission in Yarbuga village, troops discovered the bodies of numerous terrorists, a cache of weapons, and several motorcycles destroyed in the bombardment.

“Following the airstrikes, ground troops conducted a follow-up exploit mission to Yarbuga village on the morning of 10 July 2025. At the scene, remains of scores of terrorists and their weapons were found in the area, along with several burnt motorcycles. This joint air–ground operation dealt a significant blow to bandit networks in the region. It underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering commitment to protecting civilian lives, denying terrorists freedom of action and supporting ground forces to ensure lasting peace across the country,” the statement added.