Zamfara-Kebbi Border Erupts As Troops Battle 240 Bandits In Fierce Gunfight

Nigerian Army troops, operatives of the Mobile Police Force and the Air Component of Joint Task Force Operation FANSAN YAMMA are engaged in a fierce confrontation with a large group of suspected bandits along the Zamfara-Kebbi border.

Security sources who spoke with Daily Trust said the armed group, estimated to number about 240 fighters, emerged from the Sangeko Gap in Zamfara State and moved towards Makuku town in Kebbi State.

The suspected bandits were reportedly travelling on motorcycles and split into three formations as they advanced towards communities around the border area.

The development has heightened tension in nearby settlements, with some residents reportedly fleeing their homes for safer locations as security forces moved to contain the threat.

The operation involves troops from the Nigerian Army’s COAS Intervention Battalion 3, under 8 Division, Mobile Police Force personnel and aerial support from the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

Security forces are working to prevent the armed group from gaining access to surrounding communities and restrict their movement along the border corridor.

The reported presence of such a large number of suspected bandits has raised fresh security concerns among residents in communities within the affected area.

Residents have been advised to remain vigilant and comply with directives issued by security agencies while the operation continues.

Army Confirms Confrontation

The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, confirmed the development to Daily Trust.

Osoba said security personnel were still engaged in the operation and that additional details would be made available after the confrontation had ended.

He did not immediately provide information on casualties, arrests or losses recorded by either side.

The confrontation comes amid sustained military operations across the North-West aimed at dismantling bandit networks and preventing attacks on vulnerable communities.

Security agencies have also intensified operations in the region to rescue abducted residents and disrupt the movement of armed groups across state boundaries.

As of the time of filing this report, the operation along the Zamfara-Kebbi border remained ongoing, with security authorities yet to issue a comprehensive account of the encounter.