The Nigerian Army has recorded major gains in its counterterrorism operations in Zamfara State, successfully neutralising top bandit leaders and recovering a significant cache of weapons in Talata-Mafara and Kaura-Namoda Local Government Areas.
This was disclosed in a statement on Friday by Captain Suleiman Omale, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 1 Brigade Nigerian Army.
According to him, troops from Combat Team 6 (CT 6) engaged a large number of armed bandits who had attacked Mai Kwanugga village in Talata-Mafara LGA, where they were terrorising residents and burning down houses.
“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,” the statement read.
Omale added that reinforcements from the 1 Brigade Quick Response Force and the 1 Brigade Special Forces pursued the fleeing bandits and recovered several weapons.
“Reinforcements from the 1 Brigade Quick Response Force (QRF) and the 1 Brigade Special Forces (1 BSF) pursued the fleeing bandits, leading to the recovery of a cache of weapons, including 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,” he stated.
The statement further revealed that during a post-operation assessment on May 2, residents provided more information and arms, confirming the identities of the neutralised leaders. However, the Army reported civilian casualties during the operation.
“On May 2, 2025, during a post-operation exploitation, local residents provided additional arms and confirmed further details about the neutralised bandit leaders. Unfortunately, two civilians were caught in crossfire from stray bullets. The situation is being closely monitored, and efforts to eliminate remaining threats in the area continue,” Omale noted.
In a separate incident on May 1, 2025, troops from Combat Team 2, working alongside other security agencies, responded to a protest in Dayau village, Kaura-Namoda LGA. The protest followed fresh bandit attacks that prompted residents to block a key supply route.
He explained, “Residents, frustrated by recent bandit attacks, had blocked a major supply route by burning tires and obstructing traffic.”
The troops swiftly restored order and reopened the road.
Omale said, “The security team carried out a peaceful crowd dispersal operation, restored calm, and reopened the road. Normal activities have since resumed in the area.”
Brigadier General Timothy Opurum, Commander of 1 Brigade, praised the troops for their courage and professionalism and reassured citizens of the Army’s commitment to restoring peace.
He urged the public to cooperate with security agencies.
“Omale, therefore, encouraged the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies and urged citizens to avoid taking the law into their own hands.”
