The Nigerian Army has killed two suspected bandits, rescued three kidnapped victims, and recovered a cache of arms and logistics during separate operations in Zamfara State.
The military disclosed that the successes were recorded in ongoing offensives against banditry and terrorism across Zurmi and Shinkafi Local Government Areas of the state.
Confirming the recovery on Saturday, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, stated that the operations were carried out on June 12 as part of efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in the North-West.
Osoba said troops, who were attached to Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, during patrol covering Birnin Saba, Yanbuki, and Sabon Garin Daudawa in Zurmi Local Government Area engaged a group of terrorists in Yanbuki District.
During the ensuing gun battle, one terrorist was neutralised. At the same time, troops recovered rifles, four loaded magazines, two motorcycles, seven mobile phones, two MP3 players, a woodland camouflage trouser, and an inner vest.
He added that as the troops advanced towards Sabon Garin Daudawa, the fleeing terrorists abandoned their hideout after sensing the superior firepower of the advancing soldiers.
“The troops subsequently cleared and destroyed the terrorists’ enclave,” the statement said.
In a separate operation along the Shinkafi-Moriki axis, troops conducting a routine patrol laid an ambush for suspected bandits, leading to another exchange of fire.
One terrorist was killed during the encounter, while security forces recovered an AK-47 rifle, five magazines, a Baofeng communication radio, two motorcycles, and assorted charms believed to belong to the criminals.
The military also announced the successful rescue of three kidnapped victims during the operations.
According to the statement, the rescued individuals are receiving medical attention and necessary care, while efforts are underway to reunite them with their families.
Military authorities described the operations as another significant breakthrough in the campaign against armed banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism in Zamfara and neighbouring states.
Lieutenant Colonel Osoba reaffirmed the commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to restoring peace and security across Zamfara State and the wider North-West region.
“The troops remain resolute in their mission to deny terrorists freedom of action and ensure the safety of law-abiding citizens,” he said.
He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence capable of assisting ongoing operations.
Zamfara remains one of the states most affected by banditry in the North-West, with security forces intensifying offensives against criminal groups responsible for attacks on communities, kidnappings, and cattle rustling.
Recent military operations have destroyed several terrorist camps and recovered weapons and logistics used by armed groups operating in remote parts of the state.