The military has reportedly carried out airstrikes on bandit hideouts in forests across Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State and Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
According to a post on X on Saturday by Bakatsine, a journalist who reports on conflicts in North-West Nigeria, residents of Shagari and Bukkuyum communities reported heavy aerial operations in the areas.
Bakatsine said three aircraft were heard carrying out strikes on suspected bandit camps in the forests, adding that nearby residents saw smoke and fire rising from the affected areas.
“The strikes reportedly hit bandit camps in Shagari LGA of Sokoto State and around Gizazza in Bukkuyum LGA of Zamfara State, with residents nearby seeing smoke and fire rising from the area,” the post stated.
Residents were also advised to stay away from the forests until the situation became clearer.
The post further claimed that stolen cattle kept by the bandits were among the targets of the operation.
“Kudos to the troops for taking the fight directly to the bandits’ hideouts,” Bakatsine added.