The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has eliminated two notorious bandit leaders, Gero (Alhaji) and Alhaji Riga, alongside over 20 of their fighters, in a precision airstrike in Katsina State.

The operation, conducted by the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma, targeted fortified bandit camps in Unguwar Goga Hillforest, Ruwan Godiya Ward, in Faskari Local Government Area in the early hours of Wednesday, March 13.

A statement issued by the Deputy NAF Spokesman, Group Captain Kabiru Ali, said the airstrikes were based on actionable intelligence and had a significant impact on the criminals.

“Additional casualties were reported in the surrounding rocky hills, and an assessment of the full extent of the damage is ongoing,” the statement added.

Gero and Riga were identified as key enablers of banditry, providing shelter to terrorist elements responsible for repeated ambushes along the Funtua-Gusau Road, particularly between Yankara and Sheme villages.

“Their elimination marks a major breakthrough in the ongoing military campaign to restore peace in the North-West,” Group Captain Ali stated.

He assured that the NAF, in coordination with ground forces, remains committed to eradicating all threats and dismantling bandit strongholds in the region.

NAF airstrikes kill over 20 bandits, destroy hideouts in Katsina