Troops Neutralize 7 Bandits in Sokoto, Rescue Abducted Woman in Katsina
In a renewed onslaught against banditry and terrorism across Northwest Nigeria, troops of the Nigerian Army have intensified their offensive operations under Operation Forest Sanity III, eliminating nine terrorists, dismantling hideouts, and rescuing an abducted woman in coordinated raids across Sokoto and Katsina states, PRNigeria reports.
On Thursday, troops from the 8 Division Gar Strike Team swept through parts of Gandumi Forest in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State, as part of the ongoing Operation FANSAN YABMA, flushing out criminal elements from entrenched camps. In the clearance mission, which also extended to Indulumu village in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, six bandits were neutralized and their hideouts destroyed.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the military recovered two AK-47 rifles, three motorcycles, camouflage clothing, assorted drugs, and maintenance kits. “Every foot of ground we seize in these forests denies criminals a staging area,” a senior officer stated, adding that the operation aims to keep terrorists disoriented and incapable of regrouping.
Later that morning, about 70 kilometers away in Isa Local Government Area, another team of special operatives acting on time-sensitive intelligence ambushed a motorcycle convoy of armed bandits headed for Gamaroji village. One gunman was killed during the encounter, while others fled, abandoning motorcycles and weapons.
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Residents of the frequently targeted farming village praised the timely intervention. “We thought they had come for us again,” said Bawa Yusuf, a local farmer. “But we saw the soldiers recover guns. People are breathing easier tonight.”
Meanwhile, in a separate raid on Saturday, troops stormed the camps of a notorious bandit kingpin, Kachalla Muritala, in Machika and Dankolo villages in Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State. During the offensive, three terrorists were eliminated, and their camps, livestock, and logistics were destroyed.
In the same operation, a 40-year-old woman, Mrs. Suliat Adam, who had been abducted over two months ago along the Funtua–Zaria Road, managed to escape captivity. Her release was linked to an earlier military assault in the Maigora axis on May 20 that had disoriented the criminals. She was successfully reunited with her family.
Military commanders have reaffirmed their commitment to continue clearing the forests and restoring freedom of movement across the region. A senior defence intelligence officer noted: “Our goal is two-fold—deny the bad actors depth and logistics, while reassuring civilians that the state is reclaiming every contested space.”
Despite the gains, local leaders continue to call for sustained military presence and rapid response capabilities, warning that retreating bandits often target vulnerable communities.
As operations persist, hopes rise that these joint efforts will significantly degrade the capabilities of armed gangs threatening rural populations in the Northwest.
By PRNigeria
