Troops of 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Gusau, say they have neutralised five bandit leaders in Zamfara.

This is contained in a statement in Gusau on Friday by the acting assistant director, army public relations,1 Brigade, Gusau, Capt. Suleiman Omale.

According to the statement, those killed are Auta Jijji, Dankali, Sagidi, Kachallah Rijaji, and Kachallah Suza and recovered weapons.

“The troops, under the command of Brig. Gen. Timothy Opurum, has recorded a major operational success in its ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry in Talata Mafara and Kaura Namoda local governments of Zamfara.

“In the early hours of Thursday, May 1, the troops of Combat Team 6 (CT 6) on a fighting patrol encountered a large number of armed terrorists who had infiltrated Mai Kwanugga village in Talata Mafara LGA.

“The terrorists have 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 neutralising several terrorists, including five notorious bandits’ leaders.

“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,” he said.

He noted that the weapons recovered include four AK-47 rifles, one PKT Machine Gun, two RPG tubes,6 RPG bombs,28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and 43 rounds of PKT ammunition.

He said during post-operation exploitation on May 2, locals handed over additional arms and confirmed further details about the neutralized terrorist leaders.

“Unfortunately, two civilians were caught in crossfire by stray bullets.

“The situation is being closely monitored, and efforts to clear the area of residual threats continue,” he explained.

The statement further said that on May 1, 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,” he added.

Brig. Gen.Timothy Opurum 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.

(NAN)