LAGOS, June 18 (Xinhua) -- A joint military offensive to end the activities of bandits in northwest Nigeria's Zamfara has commenced, the Nigerian Air Force said Monday.

The operation is part of a joint military operation, involving the air force, army, police and civil defense to flush out the bandits, Caleb Olayera, Commander of the 207 Quick Response Group, said in Gusau, the state capital.

He was speaking after taking delivery of two airplanes deployed for the operation.

The state has seen intense banditry in recent times that has left hundreds dead and displaced thousands in various communities.

Olayera said two helipads had already been constructed by the air force for the Zamfara security operation.

He assured that peace would soon return to troubled communities in Zamfara with the commencement of the military operation.