Army Smashes Bandit Hideouts, Five Killed in Sokoto–Zamfara Offensive

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division Garrison have launched a coordinated offensive against bandit groups operating across parts of Sokoto and Zamfara states, killing five suspected bandits and recovering weapons and logistics.

A security source said on Friday that the operation commenced in the early hours of Wednesday, targeting known bandit enclaves along border communities in both states.

According to the source, soldiers swept through Gangara, Makawana, Satiru, Baici and Kurkusu villages in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, dislodging armed groups and disrupting their activities in the area.

The operation was later extended to Batamna village in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where troops reportedly encountered resistance from armed elements.

“In the course of the encounter, five suspected bandits were killed, while weapons, motorcycles and Baofeng communication radios were recovered,” the source said.

The source noted that the operation has significantly weakened the ability of armed groups to operate along the Sokoto–Zamfara axis and is part of sustained military efforts to deny criminals access to safe havens.

It was recalled that troops of the 8 Division had earlier neutralised several suspected bandit leaders, including Kachalla Kallamu and Kachalla Na’Allah, during previous operations in Sabon Birnin and Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto State.

Meanwhile, security stakeholders have continued to commend the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their intensified operations against banditry. The Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security Matters, retired Colonel Ahmad Usman, alongside other residents, praised the sustained military pressure on criminal groups.

Residents of affected communities also expressed optimism that the ongoing operations would restore peace and enable displaced persons to safely return to their homes.

Opinion Nigeria News