Troops conducting clearance operations from Bukuyum town in Zamfara state have exchanged gunfire with fleeing bandits during an ongoing military operation in the Tsilligidi forest area.
Security expert, Zagazola Makama while quoting security sources report that several of the bandits were killed during the encounter.
Makama said the troops moved towards suspected terrorist hideouts after receiving intelligence on the movement of criminals within the forest corridor.
He said the bandits, after overhearing gunfire from the advancing troops, attempted to escape through routes between Kundubu and Gizazz villages to avoid interception.
It added that troops intercepted the fleeing terrorists and engaged them in an intense exchange of fire, with several of the suspects reportedly neutralised, while others escaped with possible gunshot wounds into nearby bushes.
Makama reports that the operation was part of intensified military offensives aimed at dismantling bandit enclaves and restoring security across vulnerable communities in Zamfara state.
It added that pursuit and clearance operations were still ongoing as troops continued efforts to track down the “fleeing criminals”.
