The Nigeria Police Air Wing has eliminated nine suspected bandits and disrupted several criminal camps and logistics networks during sustained aerial operations across parts of Katsina and Zamfara States.
Seven of the suspects were identified as associates of notorious bandit kingpin, Ado Aleru, during operations conducted around Karaduwa, Matazu, Dutsin-Ma, Dan Musa and Yankuzo in Katsina State.
The Force said the operations involved coordinated surveillance, reconnaissance, troop insertion, air cover and interdiction missions aimed at disrupting bandit activities and denying the criminals freedom of movement.
In a separate operation around the Jangebe axis of Zamfara State, two senior lieutenants linked to another notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Abdullahi Na Sanda, were also eliminated.
The aerial operations also resulted in the destruction of bandit camps and the recovery of weapons and other military hardware.
Items recovered and destroyed included three PKM machine guns, three AK-47 rifles, 20 magazines, ammunition and a rocket launcher with warheads.
According to the Force, the coordinated air and ground operations have significantly disrupted the bandits’ communication and logistics networks while providing air support to ground troops and facilitating the rescue of kidnapped victims.
The Police said the operations would be sustained to prevent the criminals from regrouping, re-establishing camps and threatening communities across the affected areas. -By Zagazola Makama
