Troops Foil Bandits’ Attacks, Neutralise Notorious Commander In Zamfara

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled coordinated attacks by suspected bandits, neutralised a notorious commander and disrupted a planned large-scale assault through precision airstrikes in separate operations in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Security sources said on Wednesday that troops of Sector 2, acting on credible intelligence, swiftly mobilised alongside local security volunteers to prevent an imminent attack on communities in the area.

The troops engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat with several casualties.

In a related operation around Dogon Kade, troops responding to an attack on farmers neutralised Alhaji Tukur, a notorious bandit commander and younger brother of wanted kingpin Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye.

Several other bandits sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter and fled into nearby forests.

In another operation at Sabon Gari, also in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, troops responded promptly to reports of bandit activities. On sighting the advancing troops, the suspects abandoned their mission and escaped into nearby bushes.

A follow-up operation led to the killing of one suspected bandit and the recovery of a motorcycle believed to have been used by the fleeing criminals.

Meanwhile, in a major boost to ongoing counter-banditry operations, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA intercepted an estimated 300 bandits travelling on motorcycles from the Sunke-Kumbo axis towards the Bayazaki riverine area en route to Gummi.

Acting on credible intelligence, three Nigerian Air Force aircraft were deployed to intercept the convoy. As the bandits attempted to disperse and seek cover beneath trees, the aircraft carried out precision airstrikes, inflicting heavy casualties and foiling the planned attack.

Military authorities described the operation as another demonstration of the effective synergy between ground troops and the Air Component, saying the successful interdiction had significantly degraded the operational capability of the criminal groups.