The air component of Operation Fansan Yamma says it killed scores of bandits and dismantled their logistics base in a series of airstrikes at Alawa Forest in Shiroro LGA of Niger.

This was announced in a statement on Wednesday.

The operation was carried out on Tuesday, following credible intelligence and confirmatory aerial surveillance efforts that indicated an influx of armed terrorists into the forest, according to the statement.

“These criminals were linked to widespread violence, including two improvised explosive device attacks on 19 December 2024 in Bassa, Shiroro LGA, which sadly claimed some innocent lives.

“In response, NAF launched a three-day sustained air operation, code-named ‘Konan Daji’, to degrade the terrorists’ capabilities and render the forest uninhabitable for them.

“To this end, the air component dispatched a formation of fighter aircraft to execute air interdiction missions in the area. Upon arrival, the jets swiftly engaged the identified targets with precision strikes,” said the air force.

“They neutralised numerous armed fighters and destroyed their logistics base, as confirmed by multiple secondary explosions,” the statement added.

It said sustained efforts were underway to eliminate all criminal elements from Alawa Forest and surrounding areas, ensuring lasting peace and security for communities in Niger and beyond.

The statement noted that the operation was a significant blow to the bandits and a major achievement for NAF in its efforts to combat terrorism and insecurity in the region.

(NAN)