Scores of terrorists have reportedly been decimated in a night raid by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). Spokesperson for the force, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, said the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA initiated a series of intense, independent air interdiction missions to support the nation’s armed forces’ renewed drive to eliminate criminality in the Northwestern region. 
   
He said the special ‘Operation FARAUTAR MUJIYA’, was kick-started with a series of high-impact night operations in the strongholds of notorious bandits across Zamfara and Kebbi states. 
   
Akinboyewa explained that the first wave of strikes was launched following intelligence about increased terrorist activities in areas identified as strongholds of warlords, who had long terrorised local communities. 
 
“On November 8, 2024, using advanced surveillance and precision targeting, NAF assets executed a surprise aerial assault on multiple camps, including the strategic Sangeko location in Zamfara, near the Kebbi border, and Ado Aleiro’s heavily fortified enclave around Asola Hill in Tsafe Local Government Area. 
 
“The strikes not only obliterated a major arms depot belonging to the infamous bandit leader, Ado Aleiro but also neutralised many of his fighters. The precision bombardment sent shockwaves through the criminal networks, severely weakening their operational capabilities,” he said. 

IN a related development, the acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has arrived in Sokoto for his maiden operational visit to the eighth Division Area of Responsibility.
   
In the Northwestern state, he is to visit the Sultan of Sokoto and meet with other relevant stakeholders within the division. He is to also address troops of Operation Fasan Yamma, fighting terrorists in the region.
  
Oluyede’s visit comes three days after the Defence Headquarters confirmed the emergence of a new terror group known as ‘Lakurawa’ in Sokoto and Kebbi states.
Five local council areas of Sokoto State are facing the challenge of the group.
   
Meanwhile, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called for urgent action by the Nigerian military to decapitate the group.It considered the new group as very dangerous and alarming, noting an escalation in the devastating state of insecurity in the Northwest.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the forum noted that Lakurawa’s emergence poses fresh security serious to the entire region.