The Zamfara State Government has commended the Nigerian military’s efforts in the renewed offensive against bandits in the state, while also extending condolences to the families of those affected by an airstrike at Tungar Kara in Zurmi Local Government Area (LGA).
In a statement on Sunday, the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, confirmed that the Nigerian Air Force had carried out a successful airstrike over the weekend, targeting bandits attacking villages in Zurmi and Maradun LGAs.
The government expressed sympathy for the civilian casualties, who were members of the local vigilante group mistakenly identified as bandits fleeing from Gidan Makera in the Boko district of Zurmi LGA.
The statement read, “We have received multiple positive reports of precision strikes carried out by the Air Component of Operation Fansar Yamma over the weekend in troubled Maradun and Zurmi local government areas.
“This intervention by the military has significantly degraded the operational capacity of the bandits and has shown the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force to carrying out its constitutional mandate of protecting civilians and safeguarding the lives and property of the people.”
As a responsible government, the Zamfara State administration reaffirmed its dedication to supporting the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies to sustain the gains made in the fight against banditry and other forms of criminality.
The statement further assured the public that the state government would continue to provide support in the areas of intelligence sharing, logistics, and community engagement to ensure lasting peace and stability.
Regrettably, some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) and local vigilantes were among the casualties in the Tungar Kara airstrike.
“We pray to Almighty Allah to grant them Jannah,” the statement concluded.
The government expressed its condolences to the families of the fallen JTF personnel, offering its support and assistance to the bereaved families.
The statement concluded by calling on citizens to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activities, and cooperate fully with security forces to bring peace and stability back to the state.
