Some of the weapons recovered
The Nigerian Army says troops of 1 Brigade have neutralised “five bandit kingpins” and recovered arms in Zamfara state.
The operation, which took place in Talata Mafara and Kaura Namoda LGAs, is part of efforts by the military to dismantle terrorist networks and restore peace to the region.
A statement on Saturday by Suleiman Omale, acting assistant director of army public relations the brigade, said on May 1, troops engaged a group of terrorists who had attacked Mai Kwanugga village in Talata Mafara LGA.
Omale noted that the terrorists, who are responsible for attacking civilians and burning homes, were met with a fierce and well-coordinated response from the troops.
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“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 statement reads.
”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.”
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Reinforcements from the quick response force and the brigade special forces pursued the retreating terrorists, leading to the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons, including four AK-47 rifles, one PKT general purpose machine gun, two rocket-propelled grenade launchers, six rocket-propelled grenade bombs, 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and 43 rounds of PKT ammunition.
In a follow-up operation on May 2, Omale noted that local residents handed over additional weapons and provided intelligence confirming the identities and deaths of the neutralised terrorist commanders.
Timothy Opurum, the brigade’s commander, praised the troops for their bravery and operational skill.
He commended residents for their patriotism and reiterated the military’s commitment to protecting lives, safeguarding property, and eradicating criminal elements from Zamfara state.
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He urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing reliable information to security agencies.
