Troops of Operation FANSAR YAMMA on Wednesday, August 27, successfully repelled a bandits’ attack along the Tsafe–Funtua highway in Zamfara State, recovering six motorcycles from the fleeing criminals.
The encounter, which occurred at about 9:30 a.m. near Marabar Kyaware, saw a large group of armed bandits ambush troops on routine patrol. According to security sources, a fierce gun battle ensued and lasted for over an hour before the criminals were forced to retreat into the surrounding forest with possible gunshot injuries.
In the aftermath of the clash, six motorcycles were abandoned and recovered by the soldiers, while a dangerous explosive device was also discovered at the scene. The device, later identified as a military mortar bomb, was swiftly detonated by operatives of the Police Bomb Disposal Unit from Gusau, preventing what could have been a devastating tragedy.
Sadly, the operation was not without civilian casualties. A 27-year-old refugee, Aliyu Muhammad, popularly known as Rege, who had been residing at Magazu, was hit by stray bullets in the chest and died on the spot. His remains have since been released to relatives for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
Security officials have assured commuters and residents that joint patrols have been intensified along the Tsafe–Funtua axis to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of travelers.
The incident adds to the growing record of military successes under Operation FANSAR YAMMA, a special operation launched to flush out bandits and restore peace across Zamfara and neighboring states.
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