Troops from from Combat Team 6 of the 1 Brigade Nigerian Army have made significant progress in the ongoing military operations aimed at restoring peace in Zamfara State.
Acting under the leadership of Brigadier General Timothy Opurum, the troops neutralised several well-known bandit leaders and recovered a large supply of weapons during an operation across Talata-Mafara and Kaura-Namoda Local Government Areas.
According to a statement released on Friday by Captain Suleiman Omale, who serves as the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the brigade, soldiers encountered a heavily armed group of criminals that had already infiltrated Mai Kwanugga village in Talata-Mafara.
These attackers were reportedly terrorising local residents and setting fire to homes before the military arrived.
The official statement explained, “Upon contact, the troops engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle, successfully neutralising several terrorists, including five notorious bandit leaders: Auta Jijji, Dankali, Sagidi, Kachallah Rijaji, and Kachallah Suza.”
Following the initial confrontation, additional units from the Quick Response Force and the Brigade’s Special Forces joined the effort, chasing the surviving attackers through nearby terrain. This pursuit led to the recovery of multiple dangerous weapons. Items collected included four AK-47 rifles, a PKT machine gun, two RPG launchers, six RPG bombs, 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and 43 rounds of PKT machine gun ammunition.
The military further noted that during a follow-up operation conducted on May 2, residents of the area shared more information on the eliminated bandits and handed over more weapons.
Tragically, two civilians were caught in the crossfire and suffered injuries from stray bullets.
Military sources confirmed that the situation is under careful review, and efforts are being made to ensure the safety of all residents as clearance operations continue in the region.
