Recent reports detail a series of intense confrontations between security forces, community protection groups, and armed bandits across several states in Nigeria, including Zamfara, Taraba, and Sokoto. These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges of insecurity and the diverse strategies employed to combat banditry in the region.

In Zamfara State, a tragic ambush in the Anka Local Government Area led to the death of nine operatives from the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards (CPG). According to reports, these individuals were returning from a successful joint operation with the Nigerian Army, during which several bandits were neutralized. However, they were caught off guard in a forest ambush. ASP Yazid Abubakar, spokesman for the Zamfara Police Command, confirmed the incident, noting that the bodies of the deceased were recovered and prepared for burial. Governor Dauda Lawal expressed his condolences and confirmed that six members of the Community Protection Guards (CPGs) and four local vigilantes also known as “Yan Sakai” lost their lives in the ambush. He added that three persons are still missing including two members of the community Protection Guards and one local vigilante. He assured that immediate medical assistance was provided to the injured, and relief materials were given to the families of the deceased.

Meanwhile, in Taraba and Plateau States, troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke and Sector 2 Operation Safe Haven, conducted military operations that resulted in the destruction of bandits’ hideouts and the arrest of suspected gunrunners. According to Captain Olubodunde Oni, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, troops launched an offensive on March 22 at Achalle, a border community between Karim Lamido Local Government Area (LGA) of Taraba and Wase Local Government Area of Plateau, dislodging armed bandits and recovering a motorcycle. Further operations led to the discovery of over 70 huts and the recovery of another motorcycle and an international passport. Raids on the residences of notorious gunrunners in Mararraba Donga also yielded significant finds, including four pistols, one pump-action rifle, and six cartridges.

In Sokoto State, residents of Baidi community in Tangaza Local Government Area clashed with armed bandits, resulting in casualties and injuries. Eyewitnesses reported that the gunmen attacked the village in broad daylight, with three armed bandits on each of six motorcycles. The victims were rushed to Tangaza General Hospital, where one later succumbed to his injuries. Local sources confirmed that this was the third bandit attack in the area within a week. Fleeing bandits have taken advantage of the security vacuum, increasing attacks, kidnappings, and cattle rustling in the communities.

These incidents underscore the persistent threat posed by banditry and the ongoing efforts of security forces and local communities to address the challenge. The Nigerian Army has reiterated its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against criminal elements and has called on the public to provide credible information to aid ongoing efforts to secure the region.