In a major breakthrough against terrorism in Zamfara State, troops of 1 Brigade have neutralized five notorious bandit leaders in Talata Mafara Local Government Area, following a fierce gun battle that also led to the recovery of a cache of weapons. The daring operation, executed on May 1, was confirmed by the spokesman of the brigade, Captain Suleiman Omale, in a statement released on Friday.
According to the statement, troops on a routine fighting patrol encountered a large number of heavily armed terrorists in Mai Kwanugga village, where the criminals were reportedly attacking residents and setting homes ablaze. A swift and coordinated counterattack by the soldiers led to the deaths of five top-ranking bandit leaders identified as Auta Jijji, Dankali, Sagidi, Kachallah Rijaji, and Kachallah Suza.
The operation did not end there. Reinforcements from the 1 Brigade Quick Response Force (QRF) and the 1 Brigade Special Forces (1 BSF) launched a pursuit operation, forcing the fleeing terrorists to abandon significant weaponry. The recovered arms include four AK-47 rifles, one PKT machine gun, two rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, six RPG bombs, 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and 43 rounds of PKT ammunition.
However, the clash did not come without collateral damage. Two civilians were reportedly injured by stray bullets during the firefight. Captain Omale noted that the situation in the area is under close surveillance and that efforts are ongoing to eliminate any remaining threats.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident on the same day, troops from Combat Team 2 (CT 2), working in collaboration with other security agencies, intervened to quell a protest in Dayau village, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area. The protest was sparked by mounting frustration among locals over frequent bandit attacks, leading villagers to block a major supply route with burning tires and roadblocks.
Troops carried out a non-violent crowd dispersal operation, successfully restoring order and reopening the road. Peace and routine activities have since resumed in the area.
Brigadier General Timothy Opurum, Commander of 1 Brigade, praised the troops for their gallantry and professionalism during both operations. He reiterated the Nigerian Army’s unwavering resolve to restore lasting peace across Zamfara State.
General Opurum also urged the public to cooperate with security agencies by sharing credible intelligence and to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.