Military air strikes kill ‘scores’ of terrorists in Niger state

Military air strikes carried out by the air component of Operation Fansan Yamma have reportedly killed scores of suspected terrorists in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

According to security publication Zagazola Makama, the operation took place on June 29 following intelligence reports that over 200 armed men travelling on motorcycles were moving along the Sangeko–Dogon Dawa–Womba corridor.

The report stated that the group was believed to be planning coordinated attacks and reinforcing criminal hideouts within the Kamuku Forest area.

In response to the intelligence, the air component launched an Armed Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (AISR) mission to monitor activities around Womba, Dogon Dawa, Kurugin, Birnin Gwari, Polewaya and Udawa.

During the operation, military aircraft reportedly identified suspected terrorists travelling on three motorcycles toward the Kamuku Forest and engaged them after confirming the targets in line with operational rules of engagement.

Makama said the strike successfully neutralised the targets, while a subsequent battle damage assessment conducted alongside ground troops confirmed multiple casualties among the suspected terrorists.

The report added that surveillance carried out after the strikes showed no additional suspicious movement within the area.

In a separate mission conducted the same day, the aircraft also carried out reconnaissance over Dogon Dawa, Kurugin Maidawa and nearby communities.

According to the publication, several armed men on motorcycles were seen gathering at what was described as a logistics and refuelling point, suggesting preparations for further operations.

The air component subsequently launched another precision strike on the location, reportedly destroying the gathering and killing a significant number of the suspects.

Makama noted that the operations were carried out without any reported civilian casualties.