Troops Battle 240 Bandits Along Zamfara-Kebbi Border

Troops Battle Suspected Bandits Along Zamfara-Kebbi Border
Security sources estimated the armed group at about 240 fighters.
The military says the operation remains ongoing.

Troops of the Nigerian Army, operatives of the Mobile Police Force and the Air Component of Joint Task Force Operation FANSAN YAMMA are engaged in a major operation against a large group of suspected bandits along the Zamfara-Kebbi border.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that security sources told Daily Trust that the armed group, estimated at about 240 fighters, emerged from the Sangeko Gap in Zamfara State and advanced towards Makuku town in Kebbi State.

The suspected bandits were reportedly travelling on motorcycles and divided into three formations as they moved towards communities within the border corridor.

The development has sparked tension in several nearby communities, with some residents reportedly fleeing their homes for safer locations as security forces moved to contain the threat.

The ongoing operation involves personnel of the Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion 3 under the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Mobile Police Force operatives and aerial support from the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

Security personnel were said to be working to prevent the armed group from infiltrating surrounding communities and to restrict their movement across the border area.

The reported presence of a large number of suspected bandits has heightened security concerns among residents in communities around the affected axis.

Residents have also been urged to remain vigilant and comply with directives issued by security agencies while the operation continues.

Army Confirms Ongoing Operation

The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, confirmed the development.

Speaking to Daily Trust, Osoba said troops and other security personnel were still engaged in the operation and that further details would be released after its conclusion.

He did not provide information on casualties, arrests or losses suffered by either side.

Troops Battle 240 Bandits Along Zamfara-Kebbi Border

The latest confrontation comes amid ongoing military operations across the North West aimed at dismantling bandit networks, rescuing abducted victims and preventing attacks on vulnerable communities.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to release a comprehensive account of the encounter, with the operation still ongoing.