Nigerian troops have killed at least 80 armed bandits who tried to enter Kebbi State from the Zamfara border, in what has been described as one of the most decisive security operations in recent months.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, Abdullahi Idris Zuru, announced the development in a statement on Sunday, calling it a major step forward in Kebbi’s ongoing fight against banditry.
According to Zuru, the successful operation in Ngaski Local Government Area followed a coordinated military strategy that saw well-equipped troops deployed across Kebbi’s borders with Sokoto, Zamfara, and Niger States, as directed by Governor Nasir Idris.
He explained that the governor had earlier sought additional military reinforcements to strengthen border security — a move that has now led to the neutralisation of several bandits and restored calm to many affected communities.
Troops reportedly acted on credible intelligence that bandits were gathering around Makurdi village. Soldiers engaged the attackers in heavy gunfire on Friday and Saturday nights, leading to the death of about 80 bandits, while others fled with gunshot wounds.
Abdulrahman Usman, the Director of Security, confirmed the figures, adding that dozens of motorcycles were seized and two abducted victims were rescued.
Zuru praised the cooperation between the Kebbi State Government and security agencies, especially the Nigerian Army, for sustaining the pressure on criminal groups. He also highlighted Governor Idris’s support, noting that the government recently provided 100 Hilux vehicles and 5,000 motorcycles to improve troop mobility and response time.
Read Also;
Four soldiers killed as terrorists hit Borno base with grenades
Reacting to the success, the Emir of Yauri, Alhaji Zayyanu Muhammad, applauded the bravery of the soldiers and commended Governor Idris for his firm commitment to protecting lives and property.
“The people of Kebbi are proud of the sacrifices of our soldiers and the leadership of Governor Idris, whose efforts are restoring peace and hope to our communities,” the Emir said.
Security sources said the latest operation has forced several bandit groups to retreat deeper into neighbouring forests — a sign that Kebbi is becoming increasingly difficult terrain for criminal elements.
In a related development, troops of Operation Hadin Kai reportedly killed over 50 terrorists and repelled multiple attacks on military positions in Borno and Yobe States, reinforcing the military’s ongoing nationwide counterinsurgency efforts.
