Troops of 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have neutralised five notorious bandit leaders during a clearance operation in Mai Kwanugga village, Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The encounter took place on May 1, 2025, after troops on a fighting patrol engaged a large group of armed terrorists who had infiltrated the village, attacking residents and setting homes ablaze, according to a statement released Friday by Brigade spokesperson Captain Suleiman Omale.
Among the high-profile bandits killed in the operation were identified kingpins: Auta Jijji, Dankali, Sagidi, Kachallah Rijaji, and Kachallah Suza.
The troops, supported by reinforcements from the 1 Brigade Quick Response Force (QRF) and 1 Brigade Special Forces (1 BSF), pursued the fleeing criminals and recovered a significant cache of weapons. These included four AK-47 rifles, a PKT machine gun, two rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, six RPG bombs, 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and 43 rounds of PKT ammunition.
Unfortunately, two civilians were injured by stray bullets during the firefight. Omale said the situation is under control and security forces are continuing efforts to clear any remaining threats in the area.
In a related development on the same day, troops of Combat Team 2 (CT 2), working with other security agencies, responded to a protest by residents of Dayau village in Kaura Namoda LGA. Frustrated by repeated bandit attacks, the villagers had blocked a major supply route with burning tires and barricades.
The troops carried out a peaceful crowd dispersal operation, restored normalcy, and reopened the route to traffic.
Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Timothy Opurum, praised the troops for their professionalism and bravery. He reaffirmed the brigade’s commitment to restoring lasting peace in Zamfara State and urged the public to cooperate with security agencies by sharing credible information, while cautioning against vigilantism.
