Bandits Killed As Troops Clash With Insurgents In Zamfara

Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralized scores of bandits who attempted another deadly attack on Kabasa and Gidan Goga villages in Zamfara State.

The bandits had started attacking the locals in the area when troops arrived following a tip-off and engaged the insurgents in a gun battle.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima, in a statement, noted that the clash occurred on Tuesday.

Yerima noted in his statement that many of the bandits were killed during the encounter while others escaped into the bushes with various degrees of wounds.

He however disclosed that a soldier lost his life during the encounter.

He said: “Following a credible tip-off, Troops of Sector 3 Operation HADARIN DAJI on Tuesday stormed Kabasa village in Magami Local Government of Zamfara State where armed bandits were attacking locals.

“The timely arrival of troops forestalled a deadly kidnap and plundering operations by armed bandits which was underway. They were swiftly engaged by troops who successfully neutralized scores while others escaped into the forest with bullet wounds. Unfortunately, one soldier paid the supreme sacrifice and three others who sustained various degrees of injuries during the encounter are currently receiving medical treatment.

“Troops have dominated the general area with aggressive patrols and have continued further exploitation and pursuit of the bandits into the forest”.

The Army spokesman added: “Similarly, on the same day, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI responded to a distress call that armed bandits were attacking Gidan Goga village in Maradun LGA of Zamfara state. Troops swiftly mobilized to the area and engaged the bandits with superior fire power, killing 3 while others fled in disarray, some with gunshot wounds.