By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against banditry with precision air strikes that destroyed a high-ground terrorist hideout at Sauri in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Saturday in Abuja.

Ejodame said the strikes, which were executed on Friday by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

This, according to him, followed days of intelligence and surveillance that confirmed the presence of armed terrorists and rustled livestock concealed around the rocky enclave used as a defensive stronghold and logistics hub.

He said the aircraft executed multiple coordinated strike runs on the camp, scoring direct hits that sent surviving terrorists fleeing into surrounding bushes.

According to him, they were tracked and neutralised in follow-up engagements.

“The operation led to the elimination of numerous terrorists and the destruction of key structures, significantly degrading the gang’s ability to operate in the area.

“The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has repeatedly vowed that the NAF would “find them, hunt them down, and protect our people,” and officials say this latest strike underscores that resolve.

“The Joint Task Force under Operation FANSAN YAMMA has intensified efforts to deny terrorists safe havens and strengthen security across Zamfara and the wider North West region,” he said. (NAN)