…Security operations intensify as police say sustained pressure is forcing armed criminals out of the state
By: Abdullahi Inuwa
Security operatives in Zamfara State have repelled an attempted bandit attack on Bukkuyum town, with more than 30 bodies suspected to be those of neutralised bandits reportedly discovered in surrounding farmlands following a fierce gun battle.
The Zamfara State Police Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, October 31, 2026, saying the successful operation involved police personnel working alongside local civil security operatives.
According to the Command, the ongoing clearance operation began on October 28 after armed bandits attempted to invade Bukkuyum town in Bukkuyum Local Government Area.
However, security personnel swiftly engaged the attackers in a fierce exchange of gunfire, forcing them to retreat before they could advance into the community.
The police described the operation as a significant demonstration of courage, professionalism and determination by security operatives, who stood their ground despite what the Command described as a considerable disparity in firepower between the security forces and the armed criminals.
Following the confrontation, more than 30 bodies believed to belong to neutralised bandits were reportedly discovered in nearby farmlands, suggesting that the attackers may have suffered heavy casualties during the encounter.
The Command, however, cautioned that the actual number of casualties had yet to be independently established, pending further verification by relevant authorities.
It explained that armed bandits operating in the area were known to evacuate their casualties from battle locations, making it difficult to immediately determine the full extent of losses suffered during security engagements.
The police further noted that the successful defence of Bukkuyum prevented the attackers from gaining access to the town, averting possible killings, destruction of property and further displacement of innocent residents.
In another encouraging development, preliminary security assessments reportedly indicated that sustained military and police pressure had forced some of the remaining armed bandits to flee Zamfara State.
The Command described the development as an indication that the ongoing operations were yielding positive results in the efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore lasting peace to troubled communities.
It assured residents that the clearance operations would continue in collaboration with other security agencies, local civil security groups and relevant stakeholders until armed criminal elements were flushed out of the affected areas.
The police also reaffirmed their commitment to restoring public confidence, protecting lives and property, and ensuring that residents could return to their normal activities without fear of attacks.
The statement was signed by DSP Yazid Abubakar, ANIPR, Police Public Relations Officer, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Zamfara State Command, Gusau, on October 31, 2026.
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