Troops operating under Project Garkuwan Arewa have neutralised six bandits and recovered seven AK-47 rifles during a security operation in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

A security source told Zagazola Makama on Sunday, that the operation, conducted in the villages of Gangara, Tsageru and Sungawa, followed credible intelligence on hostile bandit activities in the area.

“Troops neutralised six bandits identified as Musa, Shehu, Nasiru, Yusuf, Mantagora and Siddiq. Seven AK-47 rifles were also recovered during the operation,” the source said.

He said despite the setbacks suffered by the criminals, remnants of the bandit group resorted to burning farmlands and properties in surrounding communities in a bid to intimidate residents and regain control.

According to the source, local vigilante operatives are assisting troops in tracking fleeing bandits, some of whom have taken refuge within Gangara town, resulting in intermittent gunfire exchanges.

Security authorities described the attacks as retaliatory actions aimed at destabilising rural communities and warned of increased risks of civilian casualties if the criminals are not cleared from the area.

Troops have since intensified ground patrols in Gangara, Tsageru and Sungawa, while coordination with local intelligence networks has been strengthened to provide early warning on bandit movements.

Operations to track and apprehend fleeing suspects are ongoing. (Zagazola)