Nigerian Air Force eliminates many bandits along Niger–Kaduna–Zamfara border

Local sources have reportedly confirmed that the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, carried out an airstrike targeting a large gathering of suspected bandits in Dogon Dawa, along the Niger–Kaduna–Zamfara border.

The development was disclosed by Bakatsine, a journalist known for reporting on conflict and insecurity in Nigeria’s North-West region, in a post shared on X on Monday.

Bakatsine, citing sources, said the strike hit the group while they were allegedly assembling to plan attacks, resulting in the deaths of numerous suspected bandits.

According to the report, more than 200 motorcycles were at the location during the operation.

It was also reported that some of the survivors, said to have sustained injuries, fled toward the forests between Shadadi and Ma’undu through the Mangwaro axis.

He wrote: “GOOD NEWS: Local sources confirmed that a Nigerian Air Force airstrike targeted a large gathering of bandits in Dogon Dawa, along the Niger–Kaduna–Zamfara border.

“The strike reportedly killed numerous militants as they assembled to plan attacks. Sources also claim that over 200 motorcycles were present at the gathering.

“Some survivors, reportedly wounded, fled toward the forests between Shadadi and Ma’undu via the Mangwaro axis.

“Kudos to the Nigerian Air Force for their unwavering commitment to taking the fight to bandits and protecting vulnerable communities. Keep up the pressure.”

Bakatsine commended the Nigerian Air Force for sustaining operations against armed groups, describing the airstrike as a significant blow to bandit activities in the region.

The Nigerian Air Force had not issued an official statement on the reported operation as of the time of filing this report, and the casualty figures could not be independently verified.