According to local accounts, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) launched an attack on a big group of suspected bandits in Dogon Dawa, near the Niger-Kaduna-Zamfara border.
Bakatsine, a journalist recognised for covering conflict and insecurity in Nigeria’s North-West, revealed the incident in a post on X on Monday.
According to Bakatsine, quoting sources, the strike occurred while the group was purportedly convening to plan attacks, killing a number of suspected bandits.
According to the report, about 200 motorcycles were present during the operation.
It was also alleged that some of the survivors, who were said to have suffered injuries, fled to the jungles between Shadadi and Ma’undu via the Mangwaro route.
He wrote: “GOOD NEWS: Local sources reported that a Nigerian Air Force airstrike struck a large group of bandits in Dogon Dawa, near the Niger-Kaduna-Zamfara border.
“The strike reportedly killed many extremists as they gathered to plan assaults. According to sources, more than 200 motorcycles were present at the meeting.
“Some survivors, apparently injured, retreated to the forests between Shadadi and Ma’undu along the Mangwaro axis.
“Congratulations to the Nigerian Air Force on their unwavering dedication to combating bandits and defending vulnerable communities. “Keep up the pressure.”
Bakatsine praised the Nigerian Air Force for its ongoing efforts against armed groups, calling the airstrike as a serious blow to bandit activity in the region.
As of the time of posting this article, the Nigerian Air Force had not issued an official comment regarding the reported operation, and the casualty statistics could not be independently verified.