Operatives of the Zamfara State Police Command, working alongside military personnel and Civilian Security Volunteers, repelled an attack by suspected armed bandits along the Gidan Giye–Magazu Road in Tsafe Local Government Area, neutralising several of the assailants in a fierce gun battle.

The operation took place at about 12:30 p.m. on Friday, following credible intelligence that a large number of armed bandits were crossing the road, apparently on a mission.

According to the police, the joint security team encountered the armed group upon arrival but came under a coordinated ambush as the bandits opened heavy fire on the operatives.

The security personnel, however, responded with what the police described as superior firepower, leading to an intense exchange of gunfire that forced the attackers to retreat into a nearby forest.

The Police Command said several bandits were neutralised during the operation, while many others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

It added that one Police Counter Security Kinetic (CSK) operational vehicle had its wheels damaged during the encounter, but the operatives maintained the offensive until the bandits abandoned their mission and fled.

Commending the operatives, the Commissioner of Police, A.M. Bello, praised their courage, professionalism and resilience in confronting the criminal elements.

He reiterated the Command’s determination to sustain aggressive operations against bandits and other violent criminals across the state, assuring residents that security agencies would continue to intensify efforts to protect lives and property.

The latest operation is part of ongoing joint security offensives aimed at degrading the operational capacity of armed bandits and restoring peace in communities affected by insecurity across Zamfara State. (The Nation)