Nigerian troops gun down over 40 bandits in Zamfara

In a significant victory against banditry, troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, in collaboration with local vigilantes known as Askarawa, successfully repelled a large-scale retaliatory attack by armed bandits in Mada, Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The attack, which occurred on March 11, was launched by bandits in response to the elimination of their notorious leader, Alhaji Sani Dan Garin Bawo, by security forces in an earlier military operation.

According to intelligence sources, the bandits, led by a commander identified as Dogo Hamza, mobilized hundreds of fighters on motorcycles, converging in Manya village, on the outskirts of Mada, before launching their assault.

However, alerted to the impending attack, troops swiftly stormed the outskirts of Mada, engaging the heavily armed assailants in a fierce gunfight alongside vigilantes.

As the firefight intensified, some bandits infiltrated Mada town, firing indiscriminately.

Reinforcements from the Nigerian Army quickly arrived, intensifying the battle and preventing the terrorists from burning houses, looting properties, or abducting residents.

The battle lasted several hours, with security forces and vigilantes ultimately overpowering the attackers.

In the aftermath of the confrontation, troops reinforced their positions in Mada, ensuring no further breach of security.

Unfortunately, four civilians lost their lives due to stray bullets, while around 40 bandits were killed.

The killing of Sani Dan Garin Bawo was considered a major victory in the fight against banditry, given his role in orchestrating numerous attacks, kidnappings, and cattle rustling in the region.

In a related development, Diaspora Digital Media reported earlier that toops of 3 Division and Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) have successfully carried out a series of operations against kidnappers and gunrunners in Plateau and Kaduna states.

A statement obtained by DDM indicates that the troops neutralized two kidnappers, arrested notorious gunrunners, and recovered arms and ammunition.

March 12, 2025, troops conducted an offensive operation in Jos South local government area of Plateau State, targeting kidnappers/terrorists in the Kuru and Turu areas.

The operation resulted in the neutralization of two kidnappers, who were found with 18 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) and 9 rounds of 5.56 x 45 mm ammunition,” the statement read.

The troops also intercepted a notorious gunrunner, Mr. Sengi David, aged 21, who was in possession of one AK-47 magazine and 48 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition.

The suspect and recovered items are currently in custody for investigation.

In another operation, a sting operation was conducted on March 11, 2025, which led to the arrest of a notorious kidnapper, terrorist, and gunrunner, Mr. Blessed Paul, aged 22.

The suspect had been on the wanted list of security agencies for kidnapping and gunrunning activities and had escaped to Abuja to evade arrest.

“We are committed to ensuring the security of lives and property in Plateau and Kaduna states.

“We urge the public to continue providing useful and credible information to aid our operations,” said Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, Media Information Officer, Operation SAFE HAVEN.

The troops also conducted a rescue operation on March 12, 2025, at the outskirts of Josho Village in Daffo District, Bokkos LGA of Plateau State, where they rescued two female victims, Miss Nanbam Adamu, aged 11, and Miss Dorcas Wantu.

The kidnappers abandoned their victims and fled upon sighting troops.

The successful operations demonstrate the commitment of the troops to ensuring the security of lives and property in Plateau and Kaduna states.

Operation Safe Haven

Operation Safe Haven is a military operation launched by the Nigerian government in 2010 to maintain peace and security in Plateau State and its surrounding areas.

The operation aims to address communal clashes, kidnappings, and other security challenges in the region.

It’s a multi-agency operation involving the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Police Force, and other security agencies.

The operation’s main goals are to maintain law and order, protect lives and property, prevent communal clashes and kidnappings, arrest and prosecute criminals, and collaborate with local communities to promote peace and security.

While Operation Safe Haven has been instrumental in restoring relative peace and stability to the region, it still faces challenges, including persistent communal clashes, kidnappings, and other security threats.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook