By Lawrence Audu 

Air raid conducted by the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch on the 6th of December 2023 in Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State resulted in the elimination of numerous terrorists, including the notorious terrorist and kidnapping ringleader, Yellow Jambros. The terrorists met their demise while trying to cross Jikudna River in Galadima Kogo District, en route to the Wurukuvhi area of Chikun LGA.

Before the airstrike, Yellow Jambros and his associates were tracked from Zamfara State into Niger State, traveling on 13 motorcycles along the Kaduna-Niger State border, specifically heading towards Kusasu in Shiroro LGA of Niger State. Upon reaching Kusasu, an additional 5 motorcycle-riding terrorists joined Yellow Jambros' convoy, bringing the total number of motorcycles to 18, which then proceeded to the bank of River Jikudna.

NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet in a statement Sunday said, upon reaching the river bank, the terrorists and their 18 motorcycles boarded a sizable motor-powered canoe with the intention of crossing and joining forces with other terrorists on the opposite side. 

"It was at this critical juncture that the decision to carry out the airstrike was made. The precise strike proved to be effective, neutralizing Yellow Jambros and his associates, destroying their motorcycles, and sinking the boat.

"Despite the unusual sight of terrorists traveling in a convoy of 18 motorcycles in broad daylight, it became evident that Yellow Jambros and his accomplices had reckoned that air strikes had been halted following the regrettable incident at Tudun Biri in Kaduna State and sought to exploit this perceived window of opportunity."

Yellow Jambros and his group have been linked to numerous kidnappings and killings along the Abuja-Kaduna Road and in various communities in Kaduna, Niger, Katsina, and Zamfara States. In October 2020, a notorious kidnapper named Mohammed Sani, apprehended by the police in Zamfara State for the murder of over 50 victims due to their inability to pay ransom, claimed that he worked for Yellow Jambros, who supplied him with counterfeit military and police uniforms, as well as firearms and other necessary weapons to carry out his operations.