Table of Contents
- Nigerian Air Force Airstrike
- Incident Details
- Eyewitness Accounts
- Community Response
- Intelligence Gathering
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has delivered a significant blow to armed bandits in the Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, neutralizing several of them in an airstrike.
The incident reportedly took place between 4 PM and 5 PM last Sunday.
While there has been no official statement from the NAF regarding the situation, the precision strike reportedly targeted the bandits as they traversed areas including Yabawa, Bazana, Awallah, Dankolo, and Kumbashi, transporting cattle stolen from Ragada and nearby villages towards Kakihum.
Additionally, it was reported that the operation was backed by aerial bombardment coordinated with ground troops, which neutralized several bandits and compelled others to flee in various directions.
Sources indicate that ground troops from Rijau, Warari, and Gulbin Boka aided the operation by sealing off escape routes and preventing retaliatory attacks on nearby communities.
A resident of Ragada, Usman Saidu, who had previously been abducted by the bandits and taken towards Dankolo, shared his narrow escape from their grasp.
He stated, “When the jet began bombing, God saved me; that was how I escaped from their hands.”
Eyewitnesses in the area reported hearing multiple explosions, followed by thick clouds of smoke and sporadic gunfire as the bandits scattered.
Local residents praised the Nigerian Air Force, calling its efforts the most effective military response in the region amid the recent escalation of violence in Mariga and its surroundings.
Furthermore, it was learned that intelligence gathered over the past week indicated that at least seven heavily armed groups were operating within the Mariga, Rijau, and Magama local government areas, prompting the NAF to initiate the airstrikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force?
The airstrike was prompted by intelligence indicating that at least seven heavily armed groups were operating in the Mariga, Rijau, and Magama local government areas, which had led to a surge in violence.
How did the local community respond to the airstrike?
Local residents commended the Nigerian Air Force for its effective military response, viewing the airstrike as a significant step in addressing the recent violence in the area.
