By Kingsley Omonobi

Several kidnapped victims held captive in Zamfara and Kebbi states escaped to safety amid chaos following intense airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on bandit hideouts.

Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, confirmed the successful escape, with survivors sharing accounts of their daring flight to freedom.

The NAF’s Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma launched Operation Farautar Mujiya, a high-impact air interdiction campaign targeting notorious bandit strongholds across Zamfara and Kebbi. These precision night operations, executed on November 8, were based on confirmed intelligence of escalating terrorist activity in the region.

Using advanced surveillance and targeting technology, NAF assets conducted surprise aerial strikes on multiple camps, including a strategic location near Sangeko, Zamfara, close to the Kebbi border, and Ado Aleiro’s fortified base around Asola Hill in Tsafe LGA. The strikes not only destroyed a major arms depot but also neutralized many of Aleiro’s fighters, dealing a severe blow to the criminal network’s capabilities.

“The strikes caused significant disruption to the bandits’ operations,” Air Commodore Akinboyewa stated, adding that numerous hostages seized the opportunity to escape amidst the ensuing chaos. “This air campaign has not only instilled fear in the bandits but has also brought a renewed sense of hope to the local residents.”

Operation Farautar Mujiya underscores the NAF’s agility and commitment to eliminating banditry, with more updates expected in the coming days as the Armed Forces intensify efforts to secure peace across Nigeria.