In a bid to curtail the activities of bandits ravaging the northwest, the Nigerian Air Force has launched several aerial offensives targeted at forests and other places believed to be the hideouts of these evil men. These airstrikes seem to be effective, as numerous bandits including their leaders have been killed by the rain of bullets. Also, some abductees have been released by the bandits unconditionally, perhaps due to the pressure mounted on them by the military....CONTINUE READING
Though the successes recorded by the bombardment of bandits’ camps is commendable, however, the Nigerian Air Force might need to apply caution in subsequent attacks due to the following reasons:
Firstly, numerous victims, who were kidnapped by these unscrupulous elements are still in their custody. From the recent rescue of about 97 abductees in Shinkafi and Tsafe forests, many more might still be in the clutches of bandits at other camps – If an aerial offensive is launched at such places, the innocent victims might be affected by the onslaught. For the main time, ground troops should be used to comb their hideouts and rescue other abductees.
Secondly, bandits usually live close to some communities – if an aerial offensive is launched civilians and their livestock might be affected. Recall how an airstike gone wrong killed over 1500 cattle in Taraba state. Before bombarding bandits’ camps, leaders of communities close to the target can be informed to tell their subjects to stay indoor to avoid been hit.
As the fight against banditry by the military is garnering momentum, cases of collateral damages should averted.