The Zamfara State Police Command says it has neutralised a notorious bandit leader, arrested three suspected criminals and recovered arms and motorcycles during an anti-banditry operation in Gummi Local Government Area of the state.

The command disclosed this in a statement issued in Gusau on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the operation was carried out on June 9 at about 6:30 p.m. by operatives of the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU) led by CSP Usman Halilu Modibbo, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Bukkuyum Division.

The police said the operation followed credible intelligence indicating that armed bandits had been sighted around the outskirts of Birisawa community in Gummi LGA.

The statement explained that the operatives swiftly mobilised to the area and encountered the suspected bandits, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.

“During the operation, the gang leader was neutralised, while three suspects were arrested. Several other members of the gang escaped into a nearby forest with varying degrees of gunshot injuries,” the statement said.

The command added that the operatives subsequently destroyed the bandits’ camp and recovered five motorcycles and three firearms.

It noted that the recovery formed part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to deny criminal groups safe havens and disrupt their operations across the state.

The police said efforts were ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The command reiterated its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against banditry and other violent crimes in order to ensure the safety of lives and property in Zamfara. (Zagazola)