By ZAGAZOLA MAKAMA

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have neutralised several bandits during a fierce encounter in Sabon Garin Kwargaba village, Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Sources said the incident occurred on Oct. 7 at about 11:30 p.m. when a large number of bandits armed with sophisticated weapons invaded the village and began shooting sporadically.

The troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) were swiftly mobilized to the scene.

The sources said the security forces engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle that lasted several minutes, forcing the assailants to flee into the forest with heavy casualties.

“Several of the bandits were neutralised while others escaped with gunshot injuries. Unfortunately, one soldier and a woman from the community lost their lives in the encounter,” he said.

The sources added that another soldier who sustained gunshot injuries was rushed to the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, and is responding to treatment.

He said additional military reinforcements had been deployed to the area to prevent further attacks and restore calm.

“An extensive bush combing operation is ongoing to track down the fleeing bandits and ensure lasting security in the area,” Rufa’i added. (Zagazola)