Manny Ita
The Nigerian Air Force has killed a notorious bandit commander known as “Yellow Janaros” during a precision airstrike carried out under Operation Whirlwind in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, military authorities said. The strike targeted a bandit enclave in the Maru forests after intelligence identified Janaros as a key figure behind kidnappings and armed robberies along the Gusau–Funtua highway.
Military sources said the operation followed days of sustained aerial surveillance that confirmed the presence of the commander and his lieutenants at the location. After the air interdiction, ground troops advanced into the area to conduct a battle damage assessment, during which Janaros and several of his fighters were confirmed neutralized. Troops also recovered weapons at the site, including 12 AK-47 rifles, one rocket-propelled grenade launcher and more than 500 rounds of live ammunition.
The Defence Headquarters described the operation as a major success for ongoing intelligence-led efforts in the North-West. A spokesperson said the elimination of Janaros was “a major breakthrough” but stressed that operations would continue. “Intelligence-led operations will continue with intensified vigor to prevent any potential reprisal attacks and to ensure the total clearance of bandit hideouts in the North-West,” the spokesperson said.
Residents of communities in the Tsafe and Maru areas expressed cautious optimism following the development, as security forces maintained an increased presence along key routes linking Zamfara with Kaduna and Katsina states to deter further attacks.
