Nigerian troops have recorded one of their biggest counter-banditry victories in recent months after killing more than 150 suspected bandits during coordinated ground and air operations in Zamfara State. Security forces also recovered a cache of weapons, ammunition and an armoured personnel carrier (APC) loaded with motorcycles, dealing a significant blow to criminal groups operating in the North-West.
The Nigerian military has intensified its offensive against armed bandit groups in Zamfara State, launching a large-scale operation that resulted in the deaths of more than 150 suspected bandits and the recovery of heavy military equipment allegedly used by the criminal gangs.
The latest operation forms part of ongoing efforts under Operation FANSAN YAMMA to dismantle armed groups responsible for mass kidnappings, cattle rustling and deadly attacks across Nigeria’s North-West.
According to security authorities, troops carried out coordinated assaults on bandit hideouts after receiving credible intelligence on the movement of heavily armed fighters.
During the operation, soldiers reportedly recovered:
- An Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) allegedly used by the bandits.
- Numerous motorcycles believed to have been used for attacks and movement across difficult terrain.
- Several firearms, ammunition and other military equipment abandoned by fleeing suspects.
Officials said the sustained offensive forced surviving bandits to retreat while security forces continued clearance operations across affected communities.
Zamfara remains one of the states most affected by armed banditry, with criminal gangs frequently carrying out attacks on villages, highways and farming communities.
The latest offensive comes amid renewed military operations targeting major bandit enclaves in the North-West as security agencies seek to weaken the operational capacity of kidnapping syndicates responsible for widespread insecurity in the region.
State officials described the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against banditry, saying troops would sustain pressure on fleeing criminals until remaining camps are dismantled.
Military authorities also reiterated their commitment to intelligence-driven operations and urged residents to continue providing credible information to support ongoing security efforts.
The latest operation represents one of the most significant military gains against armed bandits in recent months. While authorities believe the offensive has disrupted the activities of several criminal networks, security agencies say operations will continue until the remaining bandit groups are neutralised and communities can return to normal life.