Video: Police, Military Conduct Coordinated Air-and-Ground Operation Against Bandits in Kogi Forests

Security forces have reported significant losses among armed bandit groups following a coordinated air-and-ground offensive in Kogi State’s forested regions. The operation involved units from the Nigeria Police Force Air Wing and the military.

Footage obtained from a police source shows a bandits’ encampment engulfed in flames shortly after an airstrike, with helicopters providing aerial support to ground troops advancing through the bush.

Authorities said the operation targeted armed groups’ hideouts, dismantled their networks, and neutralized numerous fighters. CSP William Ovye Aya, spokesperson for the Kogi State Police Command, described the exercise as conducted with “vigour, commitment, and utmost professionalism.”

Dada Olusegun, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, shared video from the operation, stating it resulted in “the neutralization of scores of bandits and the dismantling of their networks across forested areas of Kogi State.”

Residents have been urged to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to security agencies. Officials emphasized that continuous pressure would be maintained to prevent the groups from regrouping and to restore lasting security in the area.

In a related operation, the Nigerian Air Force, under Operation Hadin Kai, carried out a precision airstrike on terrorist positions at AbbagaJiri in Borno State’s Timbuktu Triangle. According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations for the NAF, intelligence confirmed active terrorist presence and hidden logistics facilities, which were targeted to degrade capabilities and support ground operations.

Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, Chief of the Air Staff, said the strikes were designed to limit terrorist movement and deny them sanctuary, adding that follow-up ground advances confirmed the effectiveness of the air assaults.

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