In a move described as a preemptive strike, the air force detected over 400 gang members preparing for an attack on nearby villages, prompting immediate action. Recent weeks have seen a surge in deadly assaults by armed groups, resulting in multiple fatalities among civilians and security personnel, with at least 13 members of the security forces reported dead.
The military, through its spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed that the air raids, coupled with ground troop interventions, effectively eliminated several key bandit leaders and many of their followers. Ground forces were also instrumental in intercepting and neutralizing members attempting to escape the targeted area.
The rise of kidnappings for ransom in Nigeria has been attributed to the growing collaboration between gang members and jihadist factions involved in an ongoing insurgency in the northeast. Despite ongoing military efforts to curtail these violent gangs, including previous operations that resulted in the deaths of 95 bandits last month, the cycle of violence continues to plague parts of the country.
These developments highlight the ongoing crisis in Nigeria, where local communities remain vulnerable to relentless attacks by organized criminal networks. The military's actions address the urgent need to restore safety and security to afflicted regions.
For more updates and live coverage, follow @BBCAfrica on social media platforms.
The military, through its spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed that the air raids, coupled with ground troop interventions, effectively eliminated several key bandit leaders and many of their followers. Ground forces were also instrumental in intercepting and neutralizing members attempting to escape the targeted area.
The rise of kidnappings for ransom in Nigeria has been attributed to the growing collaboration between gang members and jihadist factions involved in an ongoing insurgency in the northeast. Despite ongoing military efforts to curtail these violent gangs, including previous operations that resulted in the deaths of 95 bandits last month, the cycle of violence continues to plague parts of the country.
These developments highlight the ongoing crisis in Nigeria, where local communities remain vulnerable to relentless attacks by organized criminal networks. The military's actions address the urgent need to restore safety and security to afflicted regions.
For more updates and live coverage, follow @BBCAfrica on social media platforms.
