"Zamfara: Troops Decimate Bandits, Restore Normalcy After Protest"

By Umar Faruk

The 1 Brigade Nigerian Army has recorded a major operational success in its ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry in Zamfara State, particularly in Talata Mafara and Kaura Namoda Local Government Areas. In a daring operation, troops of Combat Team 6 (CT 6) neutralized several terrorists, including five notorious bandit leaders, in Mai Kwanugga village in Talata Mafara LGA.

The terrorists had been attacking locals and setting houses ablaze before the arrival of troops. Upon contact, the troops decisively engaged the criminals in a fierce gun duel, successfully neutralizing the bandit leaders identified as Auta Jijji, Dankali, Sagidi, Kachallah Rijaji, and Kachallah Suza.

Reinforcements from 1 Brigade Quick Response Force (QRF) and 1 Brigade Special Forces (1 BSF) pursued the fleeing terrorists, resulting in the recovery of a cache of weapons, including four AK-47 rifles, one PKT Machine Gun, two RPG tubes, six RPG bombs, and several rounds of ammunition.

During post-operation exploitation, locals handed over additional arms and confirmed further details about the neutralized terrorist leaders. Unfortunately, two civilians were caught in the crossfire by stray bullets. The situation is being closely monitored, and efforts to clear the area of residual threats continue.

In a separate development, troops of Combat Team 2 (CT 2), in coordination with other security agencies, effectively responded to a protest by residents of Dayau village in Kaura Namoda LGA. The villagers, expressing frustration over recent bandit attacks, had blocked a major supply route by burning tires and obstructing traffic.

The security team conducted a non-violent crowd dispersal operation, restored calm, and reopened the road. Normalcy has since returned to the area, and routine activities have resumed.

Brigadier General Timothy Opurum, Commander of 1 Brigade Nigerian Army, 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 Nigerian Army encourages the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies and avoid taking the law into their hands," the Army said in a statement signed by Captain Suleiman Omale, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 1 Brigade Nigerian Army.