The Nigeria Police Air Wing says it has neutralised nine suspected bandits and destroyed several criminal camps during sustained aerial operations across parts of Katsina and Zamfara states.
The operations also reportedly led to the recovery of weapons and ammunition and disrupted the communication and logistics networks of criminal groups operating in the North-West.
According to PRNigeria, seven of the nine suspects were identified as associates of notorious bandit kingpin Ado Aleru following operations around Karaduwa, Matazu, Dutsin-Ma, Dan Musa and Yankuzo in Katsina State.
Two senior lieutenants also killed
In a separate operation around the Jangebe axis of Zamfara State, police said two senior lieutenants linked to another bandit leader, Kachalla Abdullahi Na Sanda, were also neutralised.
The operations reportedly involved aerial surveillance, reconnaissance, air cover, troop insertion and interdiction missions.
The objective was to deny criminal groups freedom of movement and disrupt the infrastructure that allows them to maintain their operations.
Weapons recovered
Police said the operations resulted in the recovery and destruction of several weapons and military equipment.
The reported items included three PKM machine guns, three AK-47 rifles, 20 magazines, ammunition and a rocket launcher with warheads.
The recovery is significant because access to high-powered weapons has enabled bandit groups to mount sustained attacks against communities and security personnel.
Pressure on Ado Aleru network
The identification of seven suspects as associates of Ado Aleru is particularly significant.
Aleru has long been regarded as one of the most notorious bandit leaders operating in the North-West.
Security agencies have repeatedly targeted his network and other criminal groups operating across the Katsina-Zamfara corridor.
The police said the latest operations weakened the communication and logistics systems of the targeted groups.
Coordinated air-ground operations
The police also said aerial operations were conducted in support of ground forces.
Such coordination allows aircraft to provide intelligence and air cover while ground troops move against identified targets.
The police said the operations also supported efforts to rescue kidnapped victims.
Security campaign continues
The Police Air Wing said the operations would continue to prevent the criminal groups from regrouping or rebuilding destroyed camps.
The North-West remains one of Nigeria’s most challenging security theatres, with communities in Katsina, Zamfara and neighbouring states continuing to face threats from banditry and kidnapping.
The latest operations therefore form part of a broader campaign to disrupt criminal networks rather than merely respond to individual attacks.
However, the long-term success of the campaign will depend on sustained intelligence gathering, community cooperation and the ability of security forces to prevent displaced groups from establishing new bases.