An air operation by the air component of Operation Fansan Yamma has reportedly killed scores of armed bandits who were advancing from Zamfara State towards communities in Kebbi State.

The operation was carried out on Monday, August 10, following intelligence indicating that a large group of bandits had crossed from Zamfara through the Sangeko Gap and were heading towards Makuku in Kebbi.

Counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama reported that about 240 armed men were involved in the movement and were divided into three groups, travelling on motorcycles towards the community.

Following the intelligence, troops of the Nigerian Army and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force reportedly mobilised to intercept the group, resulting in intense exchanges between the security forces and the armed men.

The air component of Operation Fansan Yamma subsequently conducted an air interdiction mission targeting identified concentrations of the bandits.

According to the report, the strikes inflicted heavy casualties on the armed group, killing scores of the fighters and disrupting their planned advance into Kebbi.

The aerial operation also provided support for troops engaged in the ground operation and helped prevent the bandits from reaching vulnerable communities in the area.

Residents in some of the affected communities reportedly began precautionary evacuation as security forces intensified operations to contain the threat and prevent further movement of the armed group.

A battle-damage assessment is ongoing to establish the extent of casualties inflicted by the air strikes and determine the outcome of the operation.

The operation comes amid continued security efforts to prevent armed groups operating around the Zamfara-Kebbi axis from expanding their activities into neighbouring communities.