At least 20 bandits were neutralized during an air strike operation conducted by the Air Components of the operation Fansan Yamma in Maraya/Wabi village of Zamfara State on Saturday, June 1, 2025.
Troops from 1 Brigade Nigerian Army deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Magami received a distress call on banditry activities around Wabi village in the area and swiftly mobilized to the area for ground exploitation following the air mission.
Military sources confirmed that the air interdiction killed about 20 bandits while several others sustained injuries during the operation as they attempted to flee.
However, a few casualties were also recorded among local vigilantes who were involved in the operation. According to sources within the community and among the affected vigilantes, the losses on their side were largely due to negligence and poor coordination.
“Despite repeated warnings from the air pilot before the strike, some vigilantes insisted on chasing the bandits on foot, ignoring calls to retreat,” said a community leader from Wabi village. “Sadly, this led to some of them being caught up in the air bombardment.”
A resident of Maraya, who pleaded anonymity, said the military should not be blamed for the incident. “The air strike was well coordinated. Unfortunately, our people did not listen to instructions. From the air through their leaders, it is hard to distinguish between bandits and vigilantes when everyone is armed and running in the same direction,” he said.
The military has received praise for its prompt action against the criminal elements, as rural communities in Zamfara continue to live under the threat of banditry. Despite ongoing operations, locals say the attackers remain active in hard-to-reach areas.
Security operatives maintain that the lack of timely intelligence from local communities and the activities of informants remain key obstacles in ending the menace.
Efforts are ongoing to strengthen collaboration between residents and security agencies to prevent similar incidents and ensure more effective operations in the future.
