The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has carried out a successful air raid in Katsina State, eliminating over 20 bandits and destroying key criminal hideouts in the Unguwar Goga Hillforest, Ruwan Godiya Ward, Faskari Local Government Area.
The operation, conducted in the early hours of Thursday, March 13, was led by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma.
It specifically targeted the fortified camps of two notorious bandit leaders, Gero (Alhaji) and Alhaji Riga.
In a statement released on Friday night, March 14, Group Captain Kabiru Ali, Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF, confirmed the success of the airstrikes.
He also noted additional casualties were reported in the surrounding rocky hills, further weakening the bandits’ stronghold in the region.
“The Nigerian Air Force has delivered a devastating blow to banditry in Katsina State, as the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma executed a precision airstrike in early hours of Thursday, March 13, decimating notorious bandit hideouts in Unguwar Goga Hillforest, Ruwan Godiya Ward, Faskari Local Government Area,” the statement read.
“The airstrikes, which preceded careful and actionable intelligence advancing purposeful lethality, destroyed the fortified camps of notorious bandit kingpins, Gero (Alhaji) and Alhaji Riga, neutralising over 20 criminals, with additional casualties reported in the surrounding rocky hills.
“The airstrike had a decisive impact on the criminals, assessment of the full extent of the damage is ongoing.”
Ali described Riga and Gero as key figures in the region’s banditry network, offering refuge to armed groups responsible for deadly ambushes along the Funtua-Gusau Road, especially between Yankara and Sheme villages.
He emphasized that their neutralization marks a significant milestone in the military’s ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in the North-West.
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