Zamfara: Over 100 bandits killed in coordinated NAF air, ground operation

The Nigerian Military has dealt a major blow to armed bandits in the North, killing over 100 terrorists during a combined air and ground assault on Makakkari Forest in Bukuyum Local Government Area, Zamfara State.
The development was disclosed in a post by security analyst Zagazola Makama via his X handle.
According to the report, the operation began early Sunday with Nigerian Air Force jets striking bandit positions identified by reconnaissance drones. Simultaneously, ground troops advanced, destroying motorcycles and dismantling the bandits’ stronghold.
Intelligence gathered by Operation FANSAN YANMA revealed that more than 400 armed fighters, led by notorious kingpins, had gathered in Makakkari Forest. Their target was Nasarawan Burkullu, a farming community in the area.
The bandits reportedly planned the raid to regroup and retaliate after a recent defeat by security forces. However, they fell into a pre-set trap.
Sources told Zagazola that many top bandit leaders were killed before they could respond, while others who tried to flee were intercepted by ground forces.
The success of the operation was attributed to close coordination between air and ground units.
Operation FANSAN YANMA has vowed to maintain pressure on bandit groups and their support networks.
“Banditry thrives on fear and impunity. We are dismantling both, one operation at a time,” the sources said.