Police Rescue Several Abducted Travellers, Recover Motorcycles After Gun Battle with Bandits in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Operatives of the Zamfara State Police Command have rescued several abducted travellers after a fierce gun battle with armed bandits along the Anka-Bukuyum road in Zamfara State.

Security sources disclosed that the operation was carried out on the evening of June 10 following intelligence on the activities of bandits operating along the route.

The sources said police operatives swiftly mobilised to the area and engaged the armed criminals in a gun duel, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding bush.

According to the sources, the rescued victims were among travellers who had been intercepted and abducted by the bandits while transiting through the axis.

“The police responded promptly and engaged the bandits in a fierce exchange of gunfire.

“The sustained pressure mounted by the operatives forced the criminals to abandon their victims and retreat from the scene,” a security source said.

The source added that several motorcycles used by the bandits for their operations were recovered during the encounter.

The rescued travellers were subsequently evacuated to safety, while efforts were being made to reunite them with their families.

Security personnel have since intensified patrols and clearance operations in the area to prevent further attacks and track down the fleeing suspects.

The Anka-Bukuyum axis is among locations that have witnessed recurrent attacks by armed groups due to its proximity to forested hideouts used by criminal elements.

Security sources say the latest operation illustrates the importance of rapid response and sustained security presence along vulnerable routes frequently targeted by kidnappers and bandits.

The police are expected to continue combing operations in the area as part of efforts to apprehend the fleeing criminals and sustain pressure on bandit networks operating across Zamfara State.

Police Rescue Several Abducted Travellers, Recover Motorcycles After Gun Battle with Bandits in Zamfara

Army says no incident recorded along Abuja-Kaduna corridor due to troops’ sustained Operations – Commander

By: Zagazola Makama

The Commander, Sub Sector 4, Operation FANSAN YANMA, Sector 1, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Col. I.R. Adom, says sustained military operations and proactive deployment of troops have ensured that no major security incident has been recorded along the Abuja-Kaduna road and rail corridor in the last four years.

Adom stated this during a media tour of military formations in Kaduna organised for defence correspondents.

He said the primary responsibility of Sub Sector 4 was to provide security along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway and rail corridor, as well as adjoining communities, critical national infrastructure and other strategic facilities within its area of responsibility.

According to him, troops have maintained relentless pressure on bandits and other criminal elements operating around the corridor, leading to improved security and freedom of movement for commuters.

“Our primary responsibility is the security of the Abuja-Kaduna road and rail corridor, as well as the adjoining critical national infrastructure, communities and associated facilities on the corridor.

“So far, the operation has been going on very well and, as you can attest, the road has remained quite secure.

“For about two years now, there has been no major security incident on the road. This is due to the proactive actions of the troops deployed on both the road and rail corridors,” he said.

The commander added that troops also respond swiftly to distress calls from communities located along the corridor and within the operational area.

He disclosed that troops recently rescued some kidnapped victims along the Katari-Gurara axis, an area that had previously experienced security challenges.

“About two weeks ago, we rescued some kidnap victims along the Katari-Gurara road. That is another corridor where we have been working hard to contain security threats.

“Today, people can travel from Katari to Gurara and from Gurara to Katari without any major disturbances,” he said.

Adom said troops routinely conduct offensive operations against criminal elements and were preparing for another operation at the time of the media visit.

On the activities of bandit groups within the area, the commander said troops had continued to neutralise criminal elements whenever encountered during operations.

He also confirmed a recent clash between rival bandit groups along the Rijana and Gwagwada axes.

“There was an infighting among some bandit groups along the Rijana axis and also the Gwagwada axis.

“Some bandits were neutralised during the clash. It was an infighting between two groups over cattle rustling activities.

“Some of the corpses were later recovered and brought for burial,” he said.

Adom assured residents of the military’s commitment to sustaining aggressive operations aimed at denying bandits freedom of action and maintaining security along the strategic Abuja-Kaduna corridor and surrounding communities.

He urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible information to enhance ongoing efforts to combat insecurity in the area.

Army says no incident recorded along Abuja-Kaduna corridor due to troops’ sustained Operations – Commander

Troops Neutralise Suspected Terrorist Scout Ambush Operation in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised a suspected terrorist scout during an ambush operation in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

Military sources said the operation was carried out at about 10:15 p.m. on June 6 by troops of the 73 Battalion (Main) following intelligence reports indicating the presence and movement of suspected terrorists around Malari village.

According to the sources, the troops deployed to the area and laid an ambush after receiving information suggesting that insurgents were massing within the vicinity.

During the operation, the troops reportedly observed an individual suspected to be conducting reconnaissance approaching from the direction of Malari village.

The sources said the suspect was challenged and ordered to stop but allegedly continued advancing toward the troops’ position.

The troops subsequently engaged the suspect, who was neutralised during the encounter.

The operation forms part of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts aimed at preventing attacks on military positions and communities within the North-East region.

Military authorities said troops remain on heightened alert and are continuing surveillance and offensive operations across the area to deny insurgents freedom of movement.

Troops Neutralise Suspected Terrorist Scout Ambush Operation in Borno