- Recall that NAF thwarted a terrorist attack on Department of State Services (DSS) facilities, in the Shiroro LGA of Niger state on Wednesday.
- The airstrikes inflicted heavy casualties on the bandits, killing at least 28 and scattering many more.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), as part of the Joint Task Force Northwest Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD), has reportedly taken out Kachallah Buzu, a high-profile bandit leader, along with several of his fighters in Zamfara state’s Mayanchi village.
Zagazola Makama, a seasoned expert in counter-insurgency in the Lake Chad region, verified this development on Friday.
Makama revealed that a trusted source within the intelligence community shared with the publication that the operation went down on September 12.
“In a major breakthrough against terrorism, troops from the Joint Task Force Northwest Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) have successfully eliminated notorious bandit commander Kachallah Buzu and several of his fighters in Zamfara State,” the reports reads.
The operation, which unfolded on September 12’s night in Mayanchi village, was made possible by a carefully planned ambush, set up by the military in response to intel on the terrorists’ movements.
According to Makama’s intelligence sources, the ambush resulted in the taking down of numerous bandits, including their ringleader, Buzu.
Beyond the significant toll on the insurgents, the troops also captured 30 motorcycles and a substantial arsenal, severely limiting the group’s ability to operate.
The success of this operation marks a crucial milestone in the ongoing fight against banditry in the Northwest region.