In a daring and precisely coordinated offensive, troops from the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade, Katsina, alongside the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji, have successfully neutralized notorious bandit kingpin Kamilu Chiroma, also known as Buzaro, along with several of his gang members in Katsina State.
The high-stakes operation unfolded in the early hours of Monday, the 17th of February, 2025, marking a significant victory in the intensified counter-banditry campaign across the Northwest. Security forces had been targeting terrorist strongholds responsible for relentless attacks on communities, and this strike proved to be a major breakthrough.
Revealing details of the operation on the 18th of February, counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, known for his insights on Lake Chad region conflicts, shared on his X handle that the mission was driven by actionable intelligence.
According to sources, reconnaissance efforts confirmed that Buzaro and his men had fortified their positions around the hills, heavily armed and poised for ambush.
However, the tide turned swiftly against the bandits. With intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets deployed to track their movements and fortifications, security forces executed a well-planned assault. Ground troops strategically blocked their advance, while fighter jets launched precise and devastating airstrikes on their hideout.
Makama detailed the aftermath, stating that the bombardment took the criminals completely by surprise, eliminating a significant number of Buzaro’s fighters.
READ ALSO: Troops eliminate 42 bandits, apprehend 96 others
“Impeccable sources who witnessed the attack reported that several motorcycles used by the gang were destroyed, along with a cache of weapons,” he revealed.
Following the aerial onslaught, ground forces moved in to clear the area, eliminating any remaining threats and securing the location.
A senior military official described the mission as “verysuccessful” emphasizing that it delivered a severe blow to bandit activities in the region.