A notorious kidnap kingpin, Yellow Jambros, has been neutralised by a precision airstrike executed by the Nigerian Air Force.
The operation, carried out on Wednesday in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State by the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch, successfully neutralised Jambros and numerous members of his gang, marking the end of their reign of terror.
Jambros, infamous for orchestrating kidnappings and killings along the Abuja-Kaduna Road and in multiple states, met his demise while attempting to cross Jikudna River in Galadima Kogo District.
Prior to the strike, the terrorists were tracked from Zamfara State into Niger State, riding a convoy of 13 motorcycles along the Kaduna-Niger State border. Additional reinforcements, totaling 18 motorcycles, joined them at Kusasu in Shiroro LGA.
Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information, confirmed the effectiveness of the precision strike, emphasising that the operation not only neutralised the dreaded Jambros and his accomplices but also destroyed their motorcycles and sank the boat used for crossing the river.
“At Kusasu, 5 other motorcycle-riding terrorists joined Yellow Jambros’ convoy, bringing the total number of motorcycles to 18, which then headed to the bank of River Jikudna. At the river bank, the terrorists and their 18 motorcycles boarded a large motor-powered canoe in an attempt to cross and link up with other terrorists across the river,” he said.
“It was at this point that the authorisation to undertake a strike was given. The precision strike was adjudged effective as it neutralized Yellow Jambros and his colleagues, destroyed their motorcycles and sank the boat.”
The daring attempt to cross the river during daylight indicated a brazen confidence, with Jambros perhaps underestimating the military’s capabilities.
Gabkwet noted that the kingpin might have assumed a suspension of airstrikes, particularly following a previous incident in Kaduna State, and sought to exploit this perceived vulnerability.
The elimination of Jambros is a significant victory in the ongoing battle against banditry and terrorism, giving a sense of relief to communities across Niger, Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara States.
