In continuation of its sustained onslaught against banditry and other criminal elements in the North-West and North-Central States of the Country, the air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI attacked and neutralised scores of bandits in southwestern part of kwiambana forest in Zamfara state. A signed statement by the Coordinator, Defence Media Operation, Major General John Enenche made available to CNA News indicates that the operation was executed on Friday July 10 2020 based on Human Intelligence (HUMINT) reports and series of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The report which established that a group of structures hidden under the dense forest vegetation served as hideouts for suspected Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements and fighters under the notorious armed bandit kingpin, Dogo Gede necessitated the dispatch of a force package of Nigerian Airforce fighter jets and helicopters gunships to attack the location. The attack aircraft took turns in engaging the target causing damage to some structures in the camp and neutralizing scores of the criminals. Enenche further stated that several bandits, who attempted to flee on foot and on about 15 motorcycles, were mopped-up in follow-on attacks by the helicopters. Human intelligence sources later revealed that several of the bandits were neutralized and their motorcycles destroyed as a result of the air strikes.
