In a decisive blow to terror in Zamfara State, Nigerian Army troops have killed five notorious bandit leaders and recovered a deadly cache of weapons in a daring offensive that rocked terrorist strongholds in Talata Mafara and Kaura Namoda. 

The operation, led by Combat Team 6 under the command of Brigadier General Timothy Opurum, saw troops of 1 Brigade, Gusau, storm Mai Kwanugga village, where they engaged a heavily armed group of terrorists in a fierce gun battle.g.

“Upon contact, the troops decisively engaged the criminals in a fierce gun duel, successfully neutralising several terrorists, including five notorious bandits’ leaders,” said Capt. Suleiman Omale, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations.

Among those eliminated were Auta Jijji, Dankali, Sagidi, Kachallah Rijaji, and Kachallah Suza—names feared across Zamfara for their reign of blood and terror. These gang leaders had been responsible for mass killings, arson, abductions, and extortion in multiple communities.

Before troops arrived, the terrorists had already launched attacks on villagers and were torching homes when soldiers struck with precision fire.

Reinforcements from the 1 Brigade Quick Response Force and Special Forces chased down fleeing militants, recovering a lethal assortment of weapons including: 4 AK-47 rifles, 1 PKT machine gun, 2 RPG tubes, 6 RPG bombs, 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 43 rounds of PKT ammunition.

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

Unfortunately, two civilians were injured by stray bullets during the firefight. Local leaders have since confirmed the identities of the neutralised terrorists and handed over additional weapons in the aftermath.

In a separate incident, troops responded to a tense protest in Dayau village where frustrated residents, fed up with incessant attacks, blocked a major supply route with burning tyres. Combat Team 2 moved in with restraint and professionalism, dispersing the crowd non-violently and restoring calm.

Brig. Gen. Opurum praised the troops for their bravery and discipline, assuring the public of the military’s relentless pursuit of peace.

“The Nigerian Army urges citizens to continue sharing credible intelligence and to avoid taking the law into their own hands,” he said.