Hussaini Ibrahim Kafi in Kano
The Katsina State Government has praised the successful execution of a joint air and ground operation by the Air Component (AC) of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and troops from the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, which targeted notorious bandit kingpins and their hideouts at Bichi Hill.
The operation, carried out on December 19, 2024, dealt a significant blow to criminal elements operating in the region.
The raid followed credible intelligence reports and extensive Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, which identified the presence of bandit camps in Bichi Hill.
These camps had been a source of escalating banditry in the areas of Danmusa, Safana, and Kankara Local Government Areas. The bandits, led by notorious figures such as Manore and Lalbi, were responsible for a series of violent crimes, including abductions, cattle rustling, and attacks on local communities like Maidabino, Yantumaki, and Danmusa.
Upon confirming the location of the bandits’ hideouts, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) attack platforms launched precise airstrikes, hitting the identified targets in multiple bombing runs.
Despite the heavy air assault, some bandits attempted to regroup on the high ground of Bichi Hill. However, they were met with a strong ground offensive from advancing Nigerian Army troops, resulting in intense firefights.
As the bandits fled and took cover in the surrounding trees, the Air Component swiftly returned to the area, launching additional airstrikes on their new positions. Further attempts by the criminals to escape on motorcycles were tracked by air platforms, which successfully targeted and struck the bandits’ new gathering point.
The joint operation resulted in the neutralization of numerous bandits, with many others sustaining injuries. Several key operational facilities and hideouts around the high ground were also destroyed, severely disrupting the bandits’ activities in the region.
In a statement, the Katsina State Government, on behalf of the state’s citizens, commended the collaborative efforts of the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and the 17 Brigade. The government lauded the troops’ dedication to restoring peace and stability to Katsina and the broader North West region.
“This latest operation has significantly weakened the operational capacity of the bandits, sending a clear message that any attempts to establish criminal strongholds in the region will not be tolerated,” said Dr. Nasir Muazu, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs.
The successful raid highlights the continued commitment of the Nigerian military to combating banditry and ensuring the safety of citizens in affected areas.
