ZAMFARA: Notorious bandit leaders killed in Talata Mafara, as troops restore order in Kaura Namoda
By IBRAHIM KANOMA, Gusau
Bandits disturbing the peace of Zamfara State especially in the Talata Mafara Local Government Area met their waterloo on Thursday May 1, 2025 as some of their leaders were killed through the superior firepower of the anti-terrorism military troops operating in the Nigeria’s North West state.
This was contained in a statement by Captain Suleiman Omale, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 1 Brigade Nigerian Army, in the state, copy of which was sent to The DEFENDER on Friday.
According to the statement, “The 1 Brigade Nigerian Army, under the command of Brigadier General Timothy Opurum, has recorded a major operational success in its ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry in Zamfara State, particularly in Talata Mafara and Kaura Namoda Local Government Areas.
“In the early hours of 1 May 2025, troops of Combat Team 6 (CT 6) on a fighting patrol encountered a large number of armed terrorists who had infiltrated Mai Kwanugga village in Talata Mafara LGA. The terrorists had been attacking locals and setting houses ablaze before the arrival of troops. Upon contact, the troops decisively engaged the criminals in a fierce gun duel, successfully neutralizing several terrorists, including five notorious bandit leaders identified as Auta Jijji, Dankali, Sagidi, Kachallah Rijaji, and Kachallah Suza.
“Reinforcements from 1 Brigade Quick Response Force (QRF) and 1 Brigade Special Forces (1 BSF) pursued the fleeing terrorists, resulting in the recovery of a cache of weapons, including: 4 x AK-47 rifles, 1 x PKT Machine Gun, 2 x RPG tubes, 6 x RPG bombs, 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 43 rounds of PKT ammunition.”
Captain Omale explained that, “During post-operation exploitation on 2 May 2025, locals handed over additional arms and confirmed further details about the neutralized terrorist leaders. Unfortunately, two civilians were caught in crossfire by stray bullets. The situation is being closely monitored, and efforts to clear the area of residual threats continue.”
He said, “In a separate development on 1 May 2025, troops of Combat Team 2 (CT 2), in coordination with other security agencies, effectively responded to a protest by residents of Dayau village in Kaura Namoda LGA.
“The villagers, expressing frustration over recent bandit attacks, had blocked a major supply route by burning tires and obstructing traffic. The security team conducted a non-violent crowd dispersal operation, restored calm, and reopened the road. Normalcy has since returned to the area, and routine activities have resumed.”
In the meantime, Brigadier General Timothy Opurum, the Brigade Commander of the 1 Brigade Nigeria Army, has commended the gallantry and professionalism of the troops and reassured citizens of the Brigade’s unalloyed commitment to restoring peace and security across the Zamfara State.
“The Nigerian Army encourages the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies and avoid taking the law into their hands,” the statement said.
