Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division Garrison have carried out a coordinated military operation against armed bandit groups operating across parts of Sokoto and Zamfara States, killing five suspected bandits and recovering weapons and logistics.
A security source disclosed on Friday that the operation began in the early hours of Wednesday and was aimed at flushing out bandits from identified hideouts along border communities linking the two states. The operation forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and deny them safe havens.
According to the source, troops moved through several communities in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, including Gangara, Makawana, Satiru, Baici and Kurkusu villages. During the advance, soldiers disrupted the activities of armed groups that had been terrorising residents in the area.
The operation later extended into Batamna village in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where troops reportedly encountered resistance from armed elements. A brief exchange followed as the soldiers pressed forward to clear the area.
“In the course of the encounter, five suspected bandits were neutralised, while weapons, motorcycles and Baofeng communication radios were recovered,” the source said. The recovered items are believed to have been used by the armed groups to coordinate attacks and movements.
The source added that the operation has significantly reduced the ability of bandits to operate freely along the Sokoto–Zamfara axis. It also aligns with the military’s broader strategy of sustained pressure to prevent armed groups from regrouping.
The army recalled that in previous operations, troops of the 8 Division had neutralised notorious bandit leaders, including Kachalla Kallamu and Kachalla Na’Allah, during raids in Sabon Birnin and Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto State.
Meanwhile, security stakeholders and residents have continued to commend the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their sustained efforts. The Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security Matters, retired Colonel Ahmad Usman, praised the military’s commitment to restoring peace.
Residents of affected communities expressed hope that the ongoing operations would further improve security and allow displaced persons to safely return to their homes.
