Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have recovered over 60 bodies of suspected bandits in Zamfara State after a major air strike by the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, followed by mop-up actions from ground forces.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama revealed the development in a post on his X handle.
Reports indicated that the bodies were found on Monday afternoon at Matseri in Anka Local Government Area by personnel from 1 Brigade and 8 Division Sector 2. The air strike formed part of a coordinated mission against more than 400 terrorists, including several wanted kingpins, who had assembled in Makakkari Forest spanning Anka and Bukuyum LGAs.
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The joint air and ground offensive eliminated over 100 terrorists, forcing many others to flee with injuries. The operation reportedly dealt a major blow to the bandits’ ability to operate and disrupted plans for a retaliatory attack after earlier clashes with security forces.
According to sources, troops used heavy artillery to repel attempts by the bandits to retrieve the bodies from the site.
Clearance and patrol efforts remain active to stop the regrouping of the armed criminals.