Airstrikes neutralize bandits’ kingpin, 45 others in Zamfara, Katsina 

The Nigeria Air Force operating in Zamfara State has killed a bandits’ leader, popularly known as Dogo Rabe and over 45 members of his gang in Zamfara forests.

The Nigeria Air Force operatives bombed the bandits’ camps located within communities between the Zurmi and Birnin Magaji areas in Zamfara State, and Jibia in Katsina State, according to a security source.

According reports, some days before the bombardment, a similar attack was carried out in the camp belonging to another bandits’ kingpin, Bello Turji in the Fakai community of the State, where no fewer than 22 bandits were neutralized, while Turji escaped.

According to a source in the area, Abdulbaqi Aliyu, the recent attack killed no fewer than 40 bandits in the Birnin Magaji area of the State.

“The Nigerian Air force launched an attack at Sabon Birini Dan Ali forest, in Birini Magaji Local Government Area, which resulted in the killing of over 40 of the bandits”, he said.

The attack occurred when the gangs were said to be loading rustled cattle.

“It was not clear how many people were killed in that operation because the bandits gathered at Dan Karami’s house for a meeting. It is unclear if he was among those killed,” the source said.

There has been no official statement from Abdul Olaitan, the Air Force spokesman in Katsina State as he didn’t pick calls from newsmen.