Troops Neutralise Bandit Leaders, Recover Arms In Zamfara

Troops of 1 Brigade Nigerian Army have neutralised bandit leaders and recovered arms in Talata-Mafara and Kaura-Namoda local government areas of Zamfara State.

A statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Brigade, Captain Suleiman Omale, said troops of Combat Team 6 (CT 6) in the early hours of 1 May, 2025, while on a fighting patrol, encountered a large number of armed terrorists who had infiltrated Mai Kwanugga Village in Talata Mafara LGA.

Captain Omale explained that the terrorists had been attacking locals and setting houses ablaze before the arrival of troops.

Upon contact with the hoodlums, the troops decisively engaged them in a fierce gun battle, successfully neutralising several terrorists, including five notorious bandit leaders identified as Auta Jijji, Dankali, Sagidi, Kachallah Rijaji, and Kachallah Suza.

He added that with reinforcements from 1 Brigade Quick Response Force (QRF) and 1 Brigade Special Forces (1 BSF), the troops ursued the fleeing terrorists, resulting in the recovery of a cache of weapons.

He listed the items seized 4 AK-47 rifles,1 PKT, machine gun, 2 RPG tubes, 6 RPG bombs, 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and 43 rounds of PKT ammunition.

“During post-operation exploitation on 2 May 2025, locals handed over additional arms and confirmed further details about the neutralised terrorist leaders,” Captain Omale said.

He however lamented that two civilians were caught in crossfire by stray bullets.

“The situation is being closely monitored, and efforts to clear the area of residual threats continue,” the acting director said.

The Commandant, Brigadier General Timothy Opurum commended the gallantry and professionalism of the troops and reassured citizens of the Brigade’s unalloyed commitment to restoring peace and security across the state.

The Army also encouraged the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies and avoid taking the law into their hands.