Troops Repel Bandit Ambush in Katsina as Four Farmers Abducted in Zamfara
Despite ongoing peace efforts in the Northwest, bandit violence flared on Sunday with two separate incidents in Katsina and Zamfara States.
In Katsina, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMAN (OPFY) repelled a bandit ambush in Faskari Local Government Area.
The attack occurred at Ruwan Godiya crossing point along Sheme–Kankara road when the convoy of the Commanding Officer, 382 Army Regiment, came under fire during a routine operational visit to Forward Operating Bases in Faskari, Mabai and Dan Ali, covering Faskari, Kankara and Danmusa LGAs.
Troops fought through the ambush, successfully extricating the convoy. However, Zagazola Makama reports that two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds and were treated at the FOB in Mabai before being evacuated to the 17 Brigade Medical Centre.
Read Also:
Security sources praised the gallantry of the soldiers, noting that their swift response prevented further casualties. The incident occurred on the same day community leaders and bandit representatives in Faskari reportedly reached a local peace agreement, highlighting the fragile nature of such arrangements.
Meanwhile, in neighbouring Zamfara State, armed bandits abducted four farmers in Tudun Moriki, Zurmi Local Government Area. The victims were seized at gunpoint around 11:30 a.m. while working on their farms on the outskirts of the town. One of the abductees has been identified as Salisu Ado, while the identities of the others were yet to be confirmed at press time.
The Zamfara State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that it had received the report from Moriki Division and had launched a joint effort with other security agencies to rescue the victims.
The twin incidents underscore the persistent insecurity in the region, despite peace initiatives and heightened military operations aimed at restoring stability.
By PRNigeria