The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), under the banner of Operation Fansan Yamma, launched a series of meticulously planned airstrikes against a large contingent of bandits traversing the Kebbi-Zamfara border region. This operation, triggered by real-time surveillance data, pinpointed a substantial convoy of approximately 150 motorcycles near Yarbuga, within the Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Each motorcycle was observed carrying at least two heavily armed individuals, confirming their hostile intent and prompting the decisive engagement by NAF aircraft. The ensuing strikes inflicted significant casualties, scattering the surviving bandits and disrupting their planned movements.
The operation unfolded with precision and effectiveness. Initial intelligence reports alerted the NAF to the presence of the large bandit convoy, split into smaller groups, moving along the Kebbi-Zamfara axis. This information enabled real-time tracking and positive identification of the hostile force. Once confirmed, NAF aircraft were swiftly deployed, engaging the convoy with a barrage of targeted airstrikes. The initial attack caused considerable damage and forced many of the bandits to abandon their motorcycles and flee on foot.
The NAF maintained persistent surveillance over the area, tracking the movements of the surviving bandits as they attempted to escape. Follow-up airstrikes were executed with precision, targeting the fleeing individuals and disrupting their escape routes. This relentless pursuit further amplified the impact of the initial attack and significantly hampered the bandits’ ability to regroup or seek refuge. The coordinated airstrikes effectively neutralized a substantial threat and dealt a significant blow to bandit operations in the region.
Following the successful airstrikes, ground troops initiated a follow-up mission to Yarbuga village on the morning of July 10, 2025. The ground operation aimed to assess the damage inflicted by the airstrikes and gather further intelligence. Upon reaching the target area, the troops discovered the remnants of the devastated bandit convoy, including numerous bodies, discarded weapons, and several burnt-out motorcycles. This grim scene testified to the effectiveness of the NAF’s aerial assault.
The combined air and ground operation demonstrated the NAF’s unwavering commitment to protecting civilian lives and disrupting the activities of armed groups in the region. By neutralizing a substantial number of bandits and destroying their equipment, the operation significantly reduced their operational capacity and hampered their ability to terrorize local communities. This successful operation underscored the crucial role of air power in combating insecurity and restoring peace to the affected areas. The swift and decisive action taken by the NAF not only eliminated an immediate threat but also sent a strong message of deterrence to other potential aggressors.
The Yarbuga operation serves as a testament to the evolving capabilities of the Nigerian Air Force and its commitment to collaborating effectively with ground forces. This coordinated approach, combining real-time intelligence, precision airstrikes, and ground follow-up, has proven highly effective in countering the growing threat of banditry in the region. The success of Operation Fansan Yamma in disrupting the movement and operations of this large bandit convoy demonstrates the NAF’s growing proficiency in utilizing air power to maintain security and protect the lives and livelihoods of Nigerian citizens. The continued cooperation between air and ground forces remains crucial in the ongoing fight against armed groups and the pursuit of lasting peace in the region.
