The Nigerian Air Force says it has killed dozens of armed gunmen, locally known as “bandits,” in a major offensive against criminal gangs operating in Zamfara State.

In a statement issued on Monday, Air Force spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the operation targeted Makakkari Forest in north-west Nigeria a notorious hideout for the gangs suspected of orchestrating several high-profile kidnappings.

The raid followed surveillance reports indicating that more than 400 gang members were preparing to launch an attack on a nearby village. Over the past two weeks, the region has been rocked by violent raids on settlements, which have left scores of civilians dead, many others kidnapped, and at least 13 security personnel killed.

According to the military, coordinated aerial bombard

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