Soldiers raid bandits’ enclaves, kill 5, recover arms

Troops of the 8 Division Garrison of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto have neutralised five armed bandits and recovered weapons and motorcycles during coordinated military operations across parts of Sokoto and Zamfara States.

A military source disclosed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto that the offensive began on Wednesday as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in the region.

“It is struck of a major blow against banditry, during a sweeping offensive that targeted notorious hideouts spanning Sokoto and Zamfara States.

“The coordinated assaults targeted known bandits enclaves in Gangara, Makawana, Satiru, Baici, and Kurkusu villages within Isa Local Government area of Sokoto state.

“The swift advance disrupted the criminal networks, forcing many to flee as the military asserted control over the troubled terrain,” the source said.

The source added that the operation later intensified in Batamna village of Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where troops met stiff resistance from the criminals.

“In a fierce exchange of fire, the troops’ neutralised 5 bandits and recovered weapons, motorcycles and baofeng radios used by the bandits to carry out nefarious activities,” the source added.

Recall that troops of the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army had earlier in December neutralised notorious bandit kingpins, Kachalla Kallamu and Kachalla Na’Allah, in Sabon Birnin and Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto State.