The Katsina State Government has commended the Air Component (AC) of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and troops of the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army for executing a successful offensive against the notorious bandit kingpins, Manore, Lalbi and their cohorts. The operation, conducted on 19 December 2024, followed credible intelligence revealing the establishment of bandit camps around Bichi Hill, which had intensified banditry activities in Danmusa, Safana, and Kankara Local Government Areas.
The mission followed credible intelligence reports and several Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, which revealed the bandits’ hideouts. These criminals had been responsible for multiple cases of abductions, cattle rustling, and violent attacks on communities including Maidabino, Yantumaki, and Danmusa in Katsina State.
Upon confirming the targets, NAF attack platforms conducted robust precision airstrikes, bombing the identified locations in multiple passes. Surviving bandits attempted to regroup within Bichi Hill but faced a fierce ground offensive as advancing troops engaged them in prolonged firefights.
Despite their resistance, some bandits fled and took cover under nearby trees. The Air Component swiftly revisited the area, launching additional strikes on the hiding criminals. As the surviving bandits attempted to escape on motorcycles, air platforms tracked them to their new gathering point and conducted another successful strike.
The joint air and ground operation resulted in the neutralisation of scores of bandits, with several others sustaining injuries. Their hideouts and key operational facilities around the high ground were also destroyed, marking a significant blow to their operational capacity.
The Government of Katsina State, on behalf of its peace-loving citizens, commends the joint efforts of the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA Sector 2 and 17 Brigade. Undoubtedly, the troops’ unwavering commitment to restoring peace and stability in the state and the broader North West region is commendable. This latest operation has substantially weakened the operational capacity of the bandits and serves as a strong deterrent to any future attempts to establish criminal enclaves in the area.
