A major blow was dealt to criminal elements in Zamfara State as the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) launched a successful airstrike on a large gathering of armed bandits attending a wedding ceremony at Asaula Hills, in Yankuzo Ward, Tsafe Local Government Area.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the precision strike, carried out in the afternoon of Tuesday, August 5, was based on credible intelligence from local sources and Human Intelligence (HUMINT) operatives.

The sources said that the intelligence revealed that scores of bandits from different enclaves were converging at Asaula Hill a rugged, elevated terrain for a mass wedding ceremony.

The sources said that at exactly 1444 hours, field reports confirmed the presence of a large number of heavily armed bandits, some on over 100 motorcycles, assembled at the location.

“In response, the air component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, under the Nigerian Air Force’s Sector 2 Command, immediately deployed a fighter jet to engage the target,” the source said.

The strike was executed at about 1600 hours and caught the criminals by surprise at the peak of the celebration.

“The wedding brought together bandit factions from Faskari and Kankara LGAs in Katsina State, and other enclaves across Zamfara. Dozens were neutralised instantly, while many others were critically injured. The survivors were seen evacuating the wounded to Yankuzo village for treatment,” the source added.

Zagazola gathered that further reconnaissance and follow-up intelligence indicated that at least 10 identifiable bodies were recovered by the evening of the strike, while several others were burnt beyond recognition.

Local informants reported that no fewer than 33 injured bandits were receiving makeshift treatment at the Comprehensive Health Centre in Yankuzo and in nearby hamlets.

It is believed that the number of fatalities may be higher, considering the scale of the gathering and the intensity of the bombardment.

“Some of the injured bandits are being secretly treated by unqualified health workers. It is recommended that ground troops conduct mop-up operations both at the strike site and at suspected recovery points like Yankuzo village,”said the sources.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA, launched earlier this year, is a renewed joint military offensive across the North West, targeting known terrorist enclaves, logistics hubs, and command structures of bandit groups operating in Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi, and Sokoto states. (Zagazola, but headline rejigged)