According to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on November 16, 2024, the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma carried out airstrikes in Palele, Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State, which destroyed a significant weapons depot and the home of infamous bandit kingpin Mallam Saleh. The strikes also successfully killed a number of terrorists.

Mallam Saleh, a well-known supporter of Dogo Gide, has long terrorised Shiroro communities by extorting them, attacking them, and kidnapping them.

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In a release, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, described the operation in detail:

Shiroro’s disadvantaged populations suffered greatly during Saleh’s reign of terror. Nevertheless, the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma carefully organised this strike to destroy his operations by tracking his movements and using vital intelligence.

During the operation, NAF planes located terrorists riding motorcycles in the targeted location.

The terrorists were severely damaged as the NAF assets launched devastating strikes with lightning-fast and accurate action, eliminating Saleh’s weapons cache. The statement went on to say, “A secondary explosion verified the munitions’ destruction, thereby impairing their capabilities.”

This operation is in line with the NAF’s logistics strangulation policy, which aims to re-establish calm in impacted areas by destroying terrorist infrastructure.

Through frequent patrols, real-time situational awareness, and precision interdictions, NAF maintained air dominance while reaffirming its dedication to working with ground forces.

“This mission has a significant impact, improving the protection of innocent lives while also weakening the terrorists’ operational capabilities,” Akinboyewa stated.