Troops from the 8 Division Garrison of the Nigerian Army have successfully carried out a coordinated operation against armed bandit groups in Sokoto and Zamfara States, killing five suspected bandits and recovering weapons, motorcycles, and communication devices.
A security source revealed that the operation began early Wednesday, targeting known hideouts in border communities linked to bandit activities. The offensive covered Gangara, Makawana, Satiru, Baici, and Kurkusu villages in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, where troops advanced to disrupt the activities of armed groups.
The operation later extended to Batamna village in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where soldiers reportedly faced resistance from armed bandits. “During the engagement, five suspected bandits were neutralised, and weapons, motorcycles, and Baofeng radios were recovered,” the source said.
The source noted that the operation has significantly curtailed the ability of armed groups to operate freely along the Sokoto–Zamfara axis, forming part of ongoing military efforts to deny such groups safe havens. Previous operations by the 8 Division had also led to the neutralisation of notorious bandit leaders, including Kachalla Kallamu and Kachalla Na’Allah in Sabon Birnin and Isa Local Government Areas.
Security stakeholders, including the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security Matters, retired Colonel Ahmad Usman, have commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their continued success against banditry. Residents of affected communities expressed hope that the sustained operations would restore security and allow displaced persons to return home.
