The wife and mother of Bokkolo, a notorious bandit, were reportedly trapped when fighter jets bombarded his residence in Sokoto State.
Nigerian fighter jets were said to have killed several bandits and their relatives.
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A resident, who confirmed the bombardment of Bokkolo’s residence said, many of his lieutenants were killed in the house.
“But we are not sure whether he is among the dead, but his wife and mother were at home during the raid,” the source said.
The gunmen were dislodged in a sustained air raid, which commenced on Friday.
Some of them were said to have fled to Tsabre, Sarkin Darai and TiÉ—ibale which are between Goronyo and Unguwan Lalle in Sokoto, in the heat of the raid.
According to the locals, some of the bandits were seen with gunshot injuries in these three villages.
The raid was part of the joint operation, comprising Nigeria Army, Air Force, Police, DSS, among others.
A senior army officer confided in Daily Trust that the operation is being led by the General Officer Commanding 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Sokoto.
According to him, hundreds of bandits were killed around Isa and Sabon Birni areas and the operation went as far as Nigerien border.
He added that all their hideouts and residences in the forests were bombarded.
Another source, told Daily Trust that, most of the areas bombarded were under the control of the notorious bandits’ leader, Turji, but there was no report on his death or that of any of his relatives at the time of filing this report.
Daily Trust learnt that four vigilantes who were part of the operation lost their lives in the fight.
“The whole of that axis is now militarized. We have not witnessed an operation of this magnitude since the advent of banditry in Sokoto. And it is succeeding,” the resident said.
Also speaking, the member representing Sabon Birni North, Aminu Almustapha Gobir, corroborated that, the operation was the first of its kind in that area, adding that it is recording tremendous successes.
“Many bandits have been killed and some have fled with gunshot injuries,” he said.
Another resident said locals were aiding the operation by reporting movement of the fleeing bandits.
