By Nkechi Eze
In a renewed onslaught against terrorism in Nigeria’s northwest, the Armed Forces of Nigeria have carried out a coordinated air interdiction operation that successfully neutralised at least 20 terrorists within Maraya Village in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
According to an official signed statement made available to Newspeg by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, the precision air strike was executed on 31 May 2025 and formed part of a broader strategy aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities and safeguarding civilian populations across the region.
Following the air strike, troops of 1 Brigade, operating out of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Magami, were immediately deployed in the early hours of 01 June 2025 to conduct a battle damage assessment and exploitation mission in the Maraya/Wabi axis. The deployment was aimed at verifying the effectiveness of the strike, gathering actionable intelligence, and consolidating operational gains.
“The on-the-spot assessment conducted by the ground troops confirmed that no fewer than 20 terrorists were neutralised as a result of the air interdiction,” the statement disclosed. The successful elimination of these armed elements is viewed as a significant blow to the operational network of terrorist groups active in Zamfara and surrounding areas.
However, the military also confirmed the unfortunate loss of two members of the local vigilante team who were inadvertently affected during the operation. Two others sustained injuries in the process. The Chief of Defence Staff has extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased vigilantes and expressed deep sympathy for the injured, wishing them a speedy recovery.
The Defence Headquarters emphasised that, moving forward, enhanced coordination between the military and community-based security groups would be prioritised to prevent such incidents in future joint operations.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to strengthening collaboration with local security entities and stakeholders to improve precision, mitigate risks, and prevent any recurrence of such tragic mishaps,” the statement read.
Defence authorities reiterated that current counterterrorism efforts are being calibrated with heightened sensitivity to civilian safety, even as operations are intensified against criminal elements threatening peace and stability in the region.
With sustained military pressure and growing inter-agency synergy, the Armed Forces affirmed their resolve to root out insurgent threats and ensure the restoration of normalcy in affected communities.
