The air force launched its attacks after observing over 400 armed individuals preparing for an imminent assault on a local village. The operations took place in the Makakkari forest, a known refuge for these bandits responsible for high-profile kidnappings in the region. Over the past fortnight, violent armed groups have targeted adjacent communities, leading to numerous fatalities and additional abductions.
According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, many notorious bandit leaders and a large number of their operatives were neutralized during these coordinated air and ground assaults. As military forces aimed to eradicate this threat, they successfully intercepted and eliminated other escapees fleeing the forest.
The phenomenon of kidnapping for ransom has evolved into a lucrative venture for bandit groups, largely motivated by financial gain and expanding their alliances with jihadist factions engaged in a protracted insurgency in the northeast. Despite previous military campaigns—one of which reportedly resulted in the deaths of 95 gang members last month—the cycle of violence and criminal activity continues unabated in the region.
Beyond immediate military actions, experts and humanitarian organizations express concern that many Nigerians may turn to extremist groups, like Boko Haram, in response to growing poverty and insecurity.
Stay updated with the latest news from Africa via BBC Africa’s platforms, including Twitter and Instagram.
According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, many notorious bandit leaders and a large number of their operatives were neutralized during these coordinated air and ground assaults. As military forces aimed to eradicate this threat, they successfully intercepted and eliminated other escapees fleeing the forest.
The phenomenon of kidnapping for ransom has evolved into a lucrative venture for bandit groups, largely motivated by financial gain and expanding their alliances with jihadist factions engaged in a protracted insurgency in the northeast. Despite previous military campaigns—one of which reportedly resulted in the deaths of 95 gang members last month—the cycle of violence and criminal activity continues unabated in the region.
Beyond immediate military actions, experts and humanitarian organizations express concern that many Nigerians may turn to extremist groups, like Boko Haram, in response to growing poverty and insecurity.
Stay updated with the latest news from Africa via BBC Africa’s platforms, including Twitter and Instagram.
