SaharaReporters learnt that aircraft troops from NAF and ground troops of the Nigerian Army sustained what was described as a well-coordinated joint operation since Saturday in the state, as it was said that terrorist activities in the area have continued to linger following the protracting crisis between the Hausas and the Fulanis.

The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) and ground troops of Operation Hadarin Daji have reportedly killed scores of terrorists operating with motorcycles in Malele village in the Dansadau Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

SaharaReporters learnt that aircraft troops from NAF and ground troops of the Nigerian Army sustained what was described as a well-coordinated joint operation since Saturday in the state, as it was said that terrorist activities in the area have continued to linger following the protracting crisis between the Hausas and the Fulanis.

The crisis has been over the destruction of farm produce. The crisis has made the area very volatile, especially in areas including Malele, Maigoge, Yan Sawayu, Ruwan Tofa, Mai Awaki, and Zama Lafiya, all under Mutunji district of Dansadau Emirate Council.

PRNigeria reports that a defence intelligence operative explained how the security services mobilised their troops in launching a series of attacks and airstrikes against bandits coming from different parts of the country.

The defence intelligence was quoted as saying that “both the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force (NAF) operations are yielding fantastic results in the area with several terrorists being eliminated as the battle is still on.

“Bandits who were fleeing from NAF airstrikes ran into a small village called Mutunji to take refuge. After ensuring that civilian lives in the village were not at risk, the NAF aircraft undertook a precision strike at the exact location while the ground troops cleared the fleeing bandits in their escape bids

“The intent of the strike was no doubt achieved as it neutralized over 40 of the terrorists who were holed up in a building in the village. Few civilians were however injured with no life-threatening injuries.”

However, it was reported that terrorist kingpins, Halilu Jan Buzu, Turji, and Adamu Aleiru are making efforts to reinforce their colleagues on the battlefield after the devastating air strike.

Some residents of the area confirmed sighting Halilu Buzu’s ‘boys’ along Dankurmi on their way to Malele, while those of Adamu Aleiru were seen at Yar Gada, a border between Dansadau and Gusau Emirates, waiting for sunrise to move to the battleground.

Some community leaders have expressed their joy over the renewed vigour of the military offensives in the area.

A youth leader in the area who spoke on the condition of anonymity for security reasons appealed to the military to sustain its operation of targeting the enclaves of the terrorists.

He said, “Honestly, we must thank the Nigerian Air Force and the Military for their renewed commitment to ensuring that our villages our freed of these criminals.

“We are particularly impressed with their quick and immediate response and intervention whenever called upon. We will however implore the Federal Government to continue to equip the military with more ammunition capable enough to destroy and neutralize the large number of bandits that we are seeing coming from different places.”

But it was reported that after the airstrike, the terrorists attempted an attack on a military convoy on their way to Malele, but no life was lost except for a soldier who sustained an injury.

However, there was no official statement on the incident from the NAF Spokesman, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet at the time of filing this report.