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.

The troops of Operation Hadin Kai in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected Boko Haram logistics supplier in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the suspect, identified as Mr. Ahmadu Mohammed Dogo, was apprehended at Muna Garage at about 11:50 a.m. on Monday, following credible human intelligence.

According to preliminary investigations, the suspect was intercepted while allegedly attempting to convey Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in Fearless energy drink plastic bottles and packed in 12 sacks.

The suspect reportedly confessed during interrogation that he was transporting the fuel to Gamboru-Ngala, a border town in Borno State, believed to be a major logistics route for insurgents operating along the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin.

Items recovered from his possession included the PMS-filled plastic bottles, charms, suspected hard drugs, rings, syringes, and several personal effects.

Security sources said the arrest forms part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts to cut off Boko Haram’s logistics and financial networks in the North East .

The suspect is currently in military custody and undergoing further interrogation.

A sources who confirmed the incident to Zagazola Makama on Friday, report that the accident occurred at about 5:30 p.m. on July 31, near Garri Tasha, in Damagum area of Fune Local Government Area.

It was gathered that military vehicle belonging to Sector 2 Headquarters, Damaturu, and was conveying officers on special duty to Jos when the driver lost control and plunged into a deep pit.

Emergency workers in Damagum responded swiftly to the scene, where they assisted in rescuing two soldiers who sustained serious injuries.

The injured were immediately rushed to Damagum General Hospital, while one of them, identified as Sgt. Salami Ahmed, was later referred to the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital, Damaturu, for further treatment.

However, a Private soldier was confirmed dead at the scene. His body was evacuated and handed over to his unit commander.