Nigerian Army troops under Operation Hadarin Daji have neutralized eight suspected bandits and foiled an attempted ambush along the Batsari–Jibia highway in Katsina State.

The operation was carried out on Tuesday following intelligence reports that armed criminals had established a blockade on the strategic highway with plans to attack commuters and abduct passengers for ransom.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Army Public Relations, troops, supported by members of the Community Watch Corps, were deployed to the area after receiving credible intelligence about the planned attack.

On arrival, the security team came under heavy gunfire from the suspected bandits, who had positioned themselves within thick vegetation along the highway. The troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the attackers to retreat into the surrounding forest.

The Army said eight suspected bandits were killed during the exchange of fire, while several others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.

Following the operation, troops conducted a clearance of the area and recovered three AK-47 rifles, 112 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, six motorcycles believed to have been used by the suspects during attacks, and several communication walkie-talkies.

Military engineers subsequently cleared the Batsari–Jibia road, allowing normal movement of commercial and private vehicles to resume under enhanced security surveillance.

The Army commended residents for providing timely intelligence that enabled troops to respond before the planned attack could be carried out.

It added that clearance operations are ongoing, with ground forces, supported by air assets, pursuing fleeing suspects in nearby forests. Residents were urged to report anyone seeking treatment for suspicious gunshot wounds or exhibiting unusual movements to security agencies.

Operation Hadarin Daji is one of the Nigerian military’s counter-banditry operations aimed at tackling armed groups responsible for attacks, kidnappings, and other criminal activities across Nigeria’s North-West region.