Troops Of Nigerian Army Eliminate Notorious Bandit Kingpins, Recover Massive Arsenal In Zamfara

Troops Of Nigerian Army Eliminate Notorious Bandit Kingpins, Recover Massive Arsenal In Zamfara

In a meticulously coordinated counter-terrorism operation, troops of 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have dealt a crippling blow to terrorist elements, achieving a significant breakthrough in ongoing military operations across Zamfara State. The offensive, which focused on Talata Mafara and Kaura Namoda Local Government Areas, underscores the NA’s sustained commitment to dismantling terrorists’ strongholds and restoring peace to affected communities.

At the break of dawn on 1 May 2025, troops of Combat Team 6, while on a fighting patrol, engaged a large heavily armed group of terrorists who had invaded Mai Kwanugga village in Talata Mafara LGA. The terrorists, who had unleashed mayhem by attacking innocent civilians and razing homes, were decisively engaged in a fierce and well-coordinated firefight. The encounter resulted in the neutralization of several insurgents, including five high-profile bandit kingpins named Auta Jijji, Dankali, Sagidi, Kachallah Rijaji, and Kachallah Suza.

Prompt reinforcements from the Brigade Quick Response Force and the Brigade Special Forces also pursued the retreating terrorists, leading to the successful recovery of a formidable cache of arms and ammunition, which included:

• 4 x AK-47 Rifles
• 1 x PKT General Purpose Machine Gun
• 2 x Rocket-Propelled Grenade Launchers
• 6 x Rocket-Propelled Grenade Bombs
• 28 x 7.62mm Special Rounds
• 43 x PKT Ammunition Rounds

In a follow-up exploitation operation conducted on 2 May 2025, community members voluntarily handed over additional weapons recovered and provided actionable intelligence confirming the identities and fatalities of the neutralized terrorist commanders.

The success of the operation was significantly enabled by the proactive cooperation of local residents, whose timely and credible reports were instrumental to the swift military response.

Commending the gallantry and professionalism of the troops, the Commander 1 Brigade, Brigadier General Timothy Opurum, commended the troops for their courage and operational dexterity. He lauded the patriotic conduct of the local populace and reaffirmed the unwavering resolve of the military to protect lives, safeguard properties, and rid Zamfara State of all criminal elements. He further urged the citizens to remain vigilant and to continue providing reliable information to security agencies.