At least 20 bandits have been neutralised in Zamfara State by Nigerian Air Force.
It spokesman, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, in a statement, said the air strikes were conducted after intelligence reports established the presence of the bandits in the area.
Air Commodore Daramola said: “The Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji has neutralised no fewer than 20 armed bandits at a location near Munhaye in Zamfara State in air strikes conducted on July 2, 2019.
“The operation was executed sequel to credible intelligence reports indicating that scores of armed bandits had assembled at the location for a meeting, supposedly with the intention of attacking innocent civilians in the surrounding communities.
“The Air Component, therefore, scrambled a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet to attack the location, which is about 15 kilometres from the border with Katsina State.
“Upon arrival overhead the area, the Alpha Jet observed over 30 armed bandits attempting to flee the location whilst firing at the approaching attack aircraft. The Alpha Jet engaged the bandits with effective fire, neutralising 20 of them.
“The NAF, working in consonance with other security agencies, will sustain its operations to flush the bandits out of the Northwest.”