Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Nigerian Air Force fighter jets have killed at least 37 bandit leaders and terrorists in Niger State.
The late fighters are believed to be among those that launched violent attacks at several communities in Kontagora, Mariga and Rijau Local Government Areas of the State.
PRNigeria sources said that several children were killed by the criminals, who looted shops, razed many houses and rustled over a thousand cattle.
Pursuit of the criminals by troops was initially hindered by ‘disruptive’ weather condition.
PRNigeria said that the Air Component of Operation Gama Aiki on Wednesday dispatched an Alpha jet and helicopter gunship to the locations to take out the targets as the ground troops with local volunteers were moving in.
Credible intelligence from locals as well as land forces had indicated the movement of several armed bandits with rustled herds of cattle along Shadadi-Maundu axis.
An intelligence source involved in the operation said: “At Maundu, several armed bandits in black clothes were sighted running to take cover at nearby clusters of trees. Consequently, the aircraft took turns in engaging the targets.
“Additionally, at Shadadi, radio contact was established with the ground troops who reported movement of armed bandits and rustled herds of cattle towards Farin Doka – Bangi – Konam Dutse axis.
“Accordingly, the crew proceeded to the location to take out the targets. At Farin Doka, several armed bandits dressed in black clothes were sighted with large number of about 1000+ rustled herds of cattle and were engaged with rockets. Fleeing bandits after the initial rocket strikes were mopped up with cannons.”
Local sources supporting the troops in the area confirmed the elimination of some of the bandit-terrorists.
“After the bombing by two aircraft one firing from far in the air and another that came later firing close to the ground, the surviving bandits were running away leaving their dead colleagues and the cattle
“This morning we have counted at least 37 bodies including some suspected to be their leaders,” one of the local vigilantes said.
