The troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA along with local vigilantes, on Wednesday engaged armed bandits in a fierce gun battle along the eastern axis of Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, recovering three AK-47 rifles.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the clash, which occurred in the early hours of the day, followed an attempted incursion by the bandits through a remote forest corridor near Yankuzo.

Security sources told Zagazola that the bandits were intercepted while advancing toward Tsafe town. Troops, supported by local vigilante groups, confronted them in a prolonged exchange of fire.

“Several bandits were killed while Three AK-47 rifles were recovered during the encounter. The bandits were forced to retreat with casualties, though the exact number is yet to be confirmed,” the source said.

As the fighting intensified, military reinforcements were deployed to the area.

As of the time of filing this report, the security forces were pushing deeper into the affected forest areas, while additional troops and logistics were being mobilised to sustain the momentum of the operation. (Zagazola)