In a decisive operation, the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch successfully neutralized Yellow Jambros, a notorious terrorist and kidnap kingpin, along with scores of his cohorts in a strategic airstrike in Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) confirmed this significant development in an official statement released on Sunday, as reported by Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information.
**Precision Strike Unravels Yellow Jambros’ Terrorist Convoy**
Yellow Jambros and his group were targeted while attempting to traverse the Jikudna River in Galadima Kogo District, en route to the Wurukuvhi axis of Chikun LGA. The NAF statement revealed that the terrorists, including Yellow Jambros, were tracked from Zamfara into Niger, where they were riding on 13 motorcycles along the Kaduna-Niger State border, specifically heading towards Kusasu in Shiroro.
As the convoy progressed, an additional five motorcycle-riding terrorists joined, swelling the number to 18 motorcycles. The group then proceeded to the bank of River Jikudna, where they boarded a large motor-powered canoe with intentions to cross and link up with other terrorists on the opposite bank. It was at this critical juncture that the authorization for a precision strike was issued.
The statement affirmed the effectiveness of the airstrike, detailing the neutralization of Yellow Jambros and his associates, the destruction of their motorcycles, and the sinking of the boat. The NAF underscored the audacity of the terrorists, noting their unusual decision to travel in a large convoy during broad daylight. The attackers seemingly believed that airstrikes were suspended, exploiting what they perceived as a window of opportunity following a prior incident in Tudun Biri, Kaduna State.
**Yellow Jambros’ Reign of Terror Unveiled**
Air Commodore Gabkwet revealed that Yellow Jambros and his cohorts had been responsible for numerous kidnappings and killings along the Abuja-Kaduna Road and in various communities spanning Kaduna, Niger, Katsina, and Zamfara States. The notorious terrorist’s impact on the region had been substantial, spreading fear and unrest.
The statement drew a connection between Yellow Jambros and another notorious figure, Mohammed Sani, a kidnap kingpin apprehended by the police in Zamfara in October 2020. Sani, responsible for the brutal murder of over 50 victims due to their inability to pay ransom, confessed to working under Yellow Jambros. The revelation exposed a network wherein Yellow Jambros supplied Sani with counterfeit military and police uniforms, as well as firearms and other weapons crucial for executing criminal operations.
**Government’s Commitment to Counterterrorism Efforts**
The successful operation was a testament to the Nigerian government’s unwavering commitment to combating terrorism and securing the lives and properties of its citizens. Yellow Jambros’ elimination marked a significant victory in the ongoing efforts to dismantle terror networks operating across multiple states.
Air Commodore Gabkwet emphasized that the precision strike not only thwarted imminent threats posed by Yellow Jambros and his group but also disrupted their nefarious activities, providing a respite to communities that had been under the shadow of their terror.
The broader context of the counterterrorism efforts in the region, including the challenges faced and the strategies employed by security forces, underscores the complex and dynamic nature of the fight against terrorism. As the Nigerian Air Force continues to refine its tactics and intelligence gathering, the recent success stands as a beacon of hope for those affected by the scourge of terrorism in the country. The government’s commitment to securing the nation and ensuring the safety of its citizens remains resolute, as evidenced by the continued pursuit and neutralization of high-profile threats like Yellow Jambros.
