The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reportedly bombarded a gathering of suspected bandits during a wedding ceremony at Asaula Hills in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara state.
Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, said the airstrike was carried out at about 4pm on Tuesday.
Citing sources, Makama said dozens of suspected bandits had converged on the Asaula Hills in Yankuzo ward for a mass wedding when the air component of Operation Fansar Yan Bindiga, sector 2 command, launched a precision strike.
“At exactly 1444 hours, field reports confirmed the presence of a large number of heavily armed bandits, some on over 100 motorcycles, at the location,” Makama quoted one of the sources as saying.
“In response, a fighter jet was deployed to engage the target. The strike was executed around 1600 hours and caught the criminals off guard.”
The publication said the event brought together fighters from multiple enclaves, including the Faskari and Kankara LGAs of Katsina state.
According to Makama, at least 10 bodies were reportedly recovered from the site as of Tuesday evening, while others were said to have been burnt beyond recognition.
Local informants said no fewer than 33 injured bandits were receiving treatment at a health centre in Yankuzo and in nearby hamlets.
“Dozens were neutralised instantly, while many others sustained serious injuries. The survivors were seen evacuating the wounded to Yankuzo village for treatment,” Makama quoted another source as saying.
“Some of the injured are being secretly treated by unqualified health workers. It is recommended that ground troops carry out mop-up operations at the site and suspected recovery points.”
Operation Fansar Yan Bindiga, launched earlier this year, is a joint military offensive targeting terrorist enclaves, logistics hubs, and command centres across Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi, and Sokoto states.