On Sunday, several armed bandits were killed while attempting to attack Unguwar Galadima, a village in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
According to residents, the attackers were on a revenge mission after their leader, Sani Black, was killed by local vigilantes in September. Black, known as one of the key figures in banditry in Zamfara, was a protégé of the late Tsoho Buhari and a close ally of the notorious Halilu Sububu, who also met his end in September.
Local sources said the bandits loyal to Black stormed the village around 5 a.m. while residents were preparing for dawn prayers. It was their second attempt to retaliate for Black’s death.
“The vigilantes were ready and defended the village. They killed many of the attackers, recovered 10 rifles, and forced them to flee. Unfortunately, two villagers were injured but are receiving treatment at Dansadau Hospital,” a resident disclosed.
As the bandits retreated, soldiers stationed in the area ambushed them, recovering additional weapons, including an explosive device.
Efforts to contact Suleiman Omale, spokesperson for Operation Hadarin Daji, for comments were unsuccessful as his phone was unreachable.
In a related development, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke dismantled multiple bandit hideouts in Taraba State, recovering weapons and other items.
Captain Olabodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, said the operation, codenamed OP GOLDEN PEACE, was led by Brigade Commander Kingsley Uwa. The operation targeted bandit camps across the northern part of the state after thorough patrols and consultations with local stakeholders.
The latest phase, which began on November 28, focused on Takum Local Government Area, particularly the Lijem High Ground and nearby villages. Troops cleared these areas, restoring confidence among locals.
Further raids on November 29 and 30 targeted villages like Kufai Ahmadu, Jam, Hingir, and Ukum, including camps at New Gboko and Che Adekpe, linked to a notorious criminal, Liamdoo Douglas.
“Our troops overwhelmed the bandits with superior firepower, forcing them to flee. Several camps were destroyed, and we recovered 27 rounds of ammunition, an AK-47 magazine, a handheld radio, and two motorcycles,” Oni stated.
To ensure residents’ safety, the troops also extended their operations to Akume and Ananum in Donga Local Government Area. Commander Uwa praised the local communities for their support and urged them to continue providing timely information to security agencies.
The military remains committed to protecting lives and property in the region.
