GUSAU, Nigeria — In a major breakthrough for Nigeria’s military campaign against terrorism in the North West, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has launched a devastating airstrike on a large gathering of armed bandits attending a wedding ceremony in Asaula Hills, Yankuzo Ward, Tsafe Local Government Area, Zamfara State.
The operation, carried out by the air component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA under NAF’s Sector 2 Command, took place on the afternoon of Tuesday, August 5, 2025, following credible intelligence gathered from local informants and Human Intelligence (HUMINT) sources.
According to security sources cited by counterinsurgency tracker Zagazola Makama, intelligence revealed that heavily armed bandits from various enclaves across Zamfara and neighbouring Katsina State had converged for a mass wedding at Asaula Hill, a rugged and elevated terrain known to host criminal gatherings.
At 1444 hours, field operatives confirmed the arrival of over 100 motorcycles carrying armed men at the location.
Within moments, a fighter jet was deployed to engage the target.
“The strike was executed around 1600 hours, catching the criminals by surprise at the height of the celebration,” one source said.
“The wedding brought together bandit factions from Faskari and Kankara LGAs in Katsina State, alongside groups from Zamfara.”
Dozens of bandits were reportedly killed instantly in the strike, while many more sustained critical injuries.
Eyewitnesses said survivors were seen evacuating the wounded to nearby Yankuzo village for emergency treatment.
Reconnaissance missions confirmed that at least 10 identifiable bodies were recovered later that evening, with several others burnt beyond recognition.
Intelligence reports also indicate that no fewer than 33 injured fighters are currently receiving makeshift care at Comprehensive Health Centre, Yankuzo, and surrounding hamlets.
“Some of the injured are being secretly treated by unqualified health workers,” a source added.
“Ground troops are advised to conduct mop-up operations at the strike site and suspected recovery points.”
The operation forms part of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, a renewed joint offensive targeting terrorist enclaves, command structures, and logistical supply hubs across Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi, and Sokoto states.
