Nigeria: Airstrikes kill more than 200 bandits in Katsina and Zamfara, says DHQ

The Defence Headquarters of Nigeria has said that 'Operation Hadarin Daji' has killed more than 200 armed bandits in multiple airstrikes in Katsina and Zamfara, according to a news report by Premium Times.

In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, the Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, John Enenche has said that the operations were in continuation of the offensive to rid the country of bandits and other criminal elements.

Enenche said that close to 200 bandits were killed in multiple airstrikes conducted at Ibrahim Mai'Bai's Camp in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina and Kurmin Kura in Zurmi in Zamfara on May 22 and May 23.

He said that the airstrikes were executed, following confirmation that the two locations were being used as hideouts for some bandit leaders while also serving as collection points for rustled cattle.

According to him, the air component, employing Nigerian Air Force ground-attack aircraft and helicopter gunships, engaged the two locations in multiple passes, destroying makeshift structures in the camps as well as killing the bandit leaders and their fighters.

"The Chief of Air Staff (CAS) commends the Air Component of 'Operation Hadarin Daji' for their professionalism and directs them to remain resolute toward eradicating all armed bandits.

"The CAS has also directed that additional assets be deployed to cover Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa, and Kogi States to frustrate any attempt of the bandits to relocate to adjoining states," Enenche said.