Nigeria’s military says it has killed dozens of armed gang members in a coordinated air and ground operation in Zamfara State, a hotspot for mass kidnappings and rural attacks.
According to the armed forces, more than 400 fighters – known locally as bandits – were spotted on Sunday preparing to raid a village in Bukuyum local government area. An air strike targeted the group, killing several key leaders and numerous fighters, air force spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said.
Ground troops then moved into Makakkari Forest, killing more gang members as they attempted to escape.
The gangs have long plagued northwest Nigeria, abducting civilians for ransom and terrorizing rural communities. Despite repeated military offensives, the violence has shown little sign of abating.
