Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA discovers over 60 bodies after deadly air strike on bandits in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have discovered more than 60 bodies of suspected bandits in Zamfara State during exploitation following a deadly air strike by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as well as mop up operations by the surface troops.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the discovery was made on Monday afternoon at Matseri in Anka Local Government Area by personnel of 1 Brigade and 8 Division Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YANMA.
The operation, which followed intelligence-led air interdictions by NAF on Sunday, targeted a large concentration of armed fighters believed to be preparing to attack Nasarawan Burkullu community in Bukuyum LGA.
Sources said that the troops, guided by air component surveillance, recovered over 60 corpses and several body parts burnt beyond recognition at one of the strike locations.
“More than 30 burnt motorcycles and a large cache of rifles completely destroyed by fire were also found,” the source said, adding that exploitation was ongoing in other strike areas.
Zagazola reports that the NAF strikes were part of a coordinated operation against more than 400 terrorists, including several notorious kingpins, who had converged in Makakkari Forest across Anka and Bukuyum LGAs.
The coordinated assault, involving both air and ground forces, neutralised over 100 terrorists in total, with many others fleeing with injuries.
According to the source, the operation has significantly disrupted the bandits’ operational capability and thwarted a planned retaliatory attack following recent clashes with security forces.
“Banditry thrives on fear and impunity,” the source said. “This operation is a clear message that both will be dismantled, one step at a time.”
“Yesterday night, they returned in an attempt to pick up corpses but we fired heavy Artillery on them go prevent them from picking corpses. We are still trailing them and we shall surely
He said troops remained on the ground to continue clearance and patrol operations to prevent regrouping of the criminal elements.
