LAGOS, April 14 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Sunday said it destroyed a logistics base used by armed groups at a location within Kagara forest, in Zamfara state, northwest Nigeria.
NAF Spokesperson Ibikunle Daramola said in a statement reaching Xinhua in Lagos that the operation was conducted on Saturday, following credible intelligence reports.
He said the location had a large gathering of bandits and some logistics items, including fuel, motorcycles and local arms making equipment, at the time of the attack.
Daramola said the Mi-35 helicopter gunship deployed, engaged the target recording successful hits on the logistics facility, which was engulfed in flames with thick black smoke seen.
He said some "bandits", who fired at the aircraft, were taken out by the helicopter.
The spokesman said the air force would sustain its operations to flush the militants out of the northwest of the country.
Armed groups have recently increased attacks in the northern states of Borno, Zamfara, Benue, Kaduna, Katsina, Plateau and Taraba.
On April 6, 50 people were killed by gunmen who camped in a thick forest in Zamfara, a troubled state in northwestern Nigeria.
On Thursday, at least 35 gunmen were killed in clashes with security forces which rescued 40 people abducted by the armed group in Zamfara.
