Troops repel bandits, recover armoured vehicles, motorcycles in Zamfara

Nigerian security forces have reportedly recovered an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) loaded with motorcycles following a major counter-banditry operation in Zamfara State that allegedly resulted in the deaths of more than 150 suspected terrorists.

The development was disclosed by conflict and security analyst Bakatsine in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, according to Kwara News Update.

Bakatsine said the armoured vehicle was recovered after security operatives successfully repelled and overpowered armed bandits during a counter-ambush operation in the state.

A video circulating online showed the recovered APC arriving in Gummi Local Government Area with several motorcycles loaded inside. The motorcycles are believed to have been used by the suspected bandits during their operations.

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According to Bakatsine, more than 150 suspected terrorists were neutralised during the operation. However, Nigerian security authorities have not officially confirmed the reported casualty figure or released details of the operation.

The reported breakthrough comes less than 24 hours after another coordinated security operation in Zamfara led to the rescue of an abducted official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the recovery of examination materials belonging to the National Examinations Council (NECO).

Reports indicated that heavily armed bandits riding about 50 motorcycles attacked communities in Talata Mafara Local Government Area, rustled hundreds of cattle, and abducted Aliyu Mohammed, a NECO official, shortly after he delivered examination materials to Sokoto State.

His Toyota Hilux vehicle and the NECO examination materials were later recovered intact.

Police operatives attached to the Victim and Crime Response Unit (VCRU), working in collaboration with military personnel, reportedly tracked the kidnappers to Gando Forest, where they engaged the bandits in a gun battle. The operation led to the rescue of the abducted NECO official and another victim without injuries, while hundreds of stolen cattle were also recovered.

The latest operations underscore ongoing efforts by Nigerian security agencies to intensify the fight against banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling across the North-West.

While authorities are yet to officially verify the reported death toll from the latest operation, the recovery of the armoured vehicle and other items is being seen as a significant development in the campaign against armed criminal groups operating in Zamfara and neighbouring states.