Zamfara Police Kill Three Bandits, Recover Arms in Major Forest Raid

By Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

The Zamfara State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing campaign against banditry, neutralising three suspected bandits, arresting one suspect and recovering arms and other exhibits during a coordinated operation in Anka Local Government Area of the state.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement, saying the success followed the recent deployment of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and CSK operational vehicles provided by the Zamfara State Government to enhance security operations.

According to the statement, a joint security team comprising operatives of the Police Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and Civilian Security Volunteers, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Muhammad Bello, carried out an anti-banditry operation in Taza, Wuya and Gwaram villages located within the Jangebe Forest axis of Anka LGA.

The police spokesperson said the operatives came under attack from heavily armed bandits upon reaching the targeted locations, resulting in a fierce exchange of gunfire.

“The security team successfully overpowered the criminals during the encounter. Three bandits were neutralised, while several others escaped into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds. One suspect was arrested,” the statement said.

Items recovered during the operation include three AK-47 rifles, 23 rounds of live ammunition, three magazines and 10 motorcycles.

DSP Abubakar further revealed that no casualties were recorded among the security personnel involved in the operation.

He described the operation as significant, noting that it represented the first major security incursion and direct engagement with bandits within the Jangebe Forest axis, an area previously considered a stronghold of criminal groups.

The Command reiterated its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against banditry and other criminal activities in order to restore lasting peace and security across Zamfara State.