By Ihotu Uriel
In a decisive response to the recent killing of 17 Nigerian soldiers in Bangi community, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has conducted a series of airstrikes, eliminating several terrorists and disrupting their operations.
The operation, carried out by the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA Sector 1, targeted terrorist camps involved in recent attacks and cattle rustling activities in the region.
According to a statement released Friday by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the precision airstrikes were executed between June 24 and 26 following credible intelligence and in close collaboration with other military and security agencies.
“On June 26, air assets were swiftly deployed to Kakihun and Kumbashi communities, where multiple waves of precision strikes were conducted. The operation neutralized scores of terrorists, destroyed their logistics base, and prevented further regrouping,” the statement read.
While the military continues to combat terror in the northwest, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has intensified peace efforts in Benue State, where at least 147 civilians were recently killed by suspected armed herdsmen in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area.
In line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive, the CDS visited Makurdi on June 26 for high-level engagements with traditional leaders and elders in the state. The visit followed a stakeholder meeting convened by the President to halt the escalating violence and bring perpetrators to justice.
Speaking on the visit, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said the engagement brought together key figures including the Tor Tiv, Ochidoma, other first- and second-class chiefs, and community elders to identify lasting solutions to the insecurity plaguing the state.
“The CDS assured the people of Benue of the Armed Forces’ unwavering commitment to restoring peace and stability. He emphasized that the visit aligned with the President’s directive to work closely with the Benue Council of Elders to uncover the root causes of the crisis,” Gusau stated.
During the meeting, the Tor Tiv, who chairs the Benue State Traditional Council, identified open grazing and persistent attacks by suspected herders and bandits as major triggers of conflict, resulting in widespread displacement of communities.
He also decried the exclusion of traditional rulers from governance and security consultations, despite their crucial role in grassroots peacebuilding.
The Defence Headquarters’ advisory team, along with local chiefs and military commanders, recommended cattle ranching as a long-term solution to nomadic grazing, which they believe continues to fuel violence.
“The chiefs urged the government to approach the crisis with fairness and impartiality, while addressing both immediate and long-term challenges,” Gusau added.
As the military ramps up operations against terrorists and violent groups across the country, stakeholders are hopeful that coordinated action and inclusive dialogue will bring lasting peace to the affected regions.
