ZAMFARA, Jun 4 (AGCNewsNet) – A precision airstrike by the Nigerian military on terrorist camps in Maraya village, Zamfara State, has killed 20 insurgents, signalling a renewed push against terrorism in Nigeria’s restive northwest.

The Defence Headquarters confirmed the strike, which occurred in the early hours of June 1, was the result of coordinated aerial intelligence and forms part of a wider offensive to reclaim rural territories plagued by terrorist violence.

“Following the air interdiction at approximately 01:11 a.m., troops from 1 Brigade, stationed at Forward Operating Base Magami, were immediately dispatched to the Maraya/Wabi area,” said Major General Marcus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations. “Their mission was to assess battle damage and confirm the success of the strike.”

Kangye reported that on-the-spot assessments verified the elimination of 20 terrorists, who had been operating in the area as part of ongoing attacks on vulnerable communities in Maru Local Government Area.

However, the strike was not without unintended consequences. Two local vigilantes assisting military operations were killed, and two others injured, in what officials described as inadvertent casualties.

“The Chief of Defence Staff extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes the injured a swift recovery,” Kangye noted. In light of the incident, the Armed Forces pledged to strengthen coordination with local security groups to prevent future civilian casualties.

Security analysts say the operation underscores the military’s growing reliance on airpower and ground intelligence in tackling asymmetric threats across northern Nigeria.

“Air superiority is essential, but we must improve pre-strike verification and integrate community-based intelligence to minimize collateral damage,” said Ibrahim Shinkafi, a conflict resolution expert based in Gusau.

Zamfara and neighbouring states have endured repeated assaults by terrorist factions and armed bandits over the past year, with residents frequently caught in the crossfire. The military’s latest offensive suggests a shift toward more aggressive and targeted tactics in restoring order to the region.

Defence officials maintain that sustained pressure on insurgent networks, coupled with improved local engagement, could turn the tide and restore relative stability in northwest Nigeria.

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Source: News Diary