Emerging report indicates that the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has launched a fresh offensive against bandits in Sokoto State, North-West Nigeria.
This resulted to the death of several bandits, and the destruction of some of their camps by the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday, by the Spokesman of NAF, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, the operation was carried out on July 6.
According to him, the Military exercise aimed at clearing the region of armed bandits, cattle rustlers, kidnappers, and other criminal elements, is in collaboration with the Defence Headquarters-led, DHQ, Operation Accord.
Meanwhile, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has reiterated his commitment in fighting criminal elements in the North-Western States.
Abubakar, who has been in Sokoto State, to oversee the planning and launch of the Operation, expressed satisfaction with what has been achieved so far.
He noted that while sustaining the air offensive, the Air Component is working closely with ground troops, to ensure that the armed bandits that escaped the aerial bombardments, are mopped up on the ground.
The Air Chief disclosed that because the Kagara Forest extends to Niger Republic, there is also ongoing liaison with the Nigerien Authorities, to ensure that the bandits do not escape through the international borders.
While calling for the support of all Nigerians, he assured the people of the Military’s determination in creating a stable and secured environment.
His words: “Security and development are two sides of the same coin, and I am very happy with what the State Government is doing, in order to enhance development of communities, so that people can see that they have a stake in the system.
“With what we are doing and what State Governments are doing, the problem of armed banditry will soon fizzle out”, he said.