Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have recorded another major success in the fight against banditry in northwestern Nigeria after neutralising several bandits and destroying their hideouts in parts of Sokoto State.
The operation, which was carried out in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups, targeted criminal camps located in the highlands bordering Zamfara State around Dangulbi and Kurawa villages in Tureta Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
A security source who disclosed details of the operation on Saturday said the military offensive dealt a heavy blow to armed groups operating in the area, with several bandits, including some notorious kingpins, reportedly killed during the encounter.
According to the source, many other bandits escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds as troops advanced on their hideouts and forced them to flee.
The operation took place on June 4 and involved personnel of the 8 Division operating under Operation Fansan Yamma, a military campaign launched to tackle banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the North-West.
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly on the matter, said the military acted on intelligence reports about the activities of armed groups in the area.
He explained that troops moved into the identified locations and engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle that lasted for several hours.
According to him, the superior firepower and coordinated approach adopted by the troops forced the bandits to abandon their camps and retreat into surrounding forests.
“The army engaged them in a fierce battle. The bandits later retreated and fled into forests in neighbouring states,” the source said.
He added that the operation was carefully planned and executed with support from other security agencies and local vigilante groups familiar with the terrain.
The collaboration, he noted, helped security forces identify strategic locations used by the bandits and ensured that the operation was carried out effectively.
Apart from neutralising several fighters, troops also dismantled a number of hideouts believed to have been used as operational bases by the criminal groups.
The source said weapons and motorcycles were recovered during the operation.
Motorcycles are widely used by bandits operating in many parts of the North-West because they allow quick movement through forests, remote villages and difficult terrain that may not be accessible to larger vehicles.
Security officials believe that destroying such equipment weakens the operational capacity of the criminals and limits their ability to launch attacks on communities.
The source described the operation as a major achievement in ongoing efforts to restore peace and security in Sokoto and neighbouring states.
He praised the courage and professionalism displayed by the troops during the mission.
“The swift response, professionalism and courage displayed by our military personnel averted what could have been a tragic incident,” he said.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of security forces to protecting residents and preventing further attacks by criminal elements.
“Let me once again reaffirm our commitment to protecting the lives and property of the citizenry,” he added.
The latest operation comes as security agencies continue to intensify military pressure on bandit groups operating across the North-West region.
For years, communities in Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi and parts of Kaduna and Niger states have faced repeated attacks by bandits involved in kidnapping, cattle rustling, village raids and other violent crimes.
Thousands of people have been displaced from their homes as a result of insecurity, while many communities have suffered loss of lives and property.
In response, the Nigerian military has launched several operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and reclaiming territories previously used as safe havens by armed groups.
Operation Fansan Yamma is one of the major military campaigns currently being deployed in the region.
The operation focuses on conducting intelligence-driven offensives against bandit leaders, disrupting supply routes and destroying camps used by criminal gangs.
Military authorities have repeatedly stated that sustained pressure on the criminals is necessary to prevent them
The role of local vigilantes has also become increasingly important in many operations because of their knowledge of local terrain and movement patterns within rural communities.
Residents in affected areas have often called for stronger collaboration between the military, security agencies and local groups to improve security and reduce attacks.
Although significant progress has been made in recent months, security experts warn that the fight against banditry remains a long-term challenge requiring sustained military operations and support from local communities.
The latest success in Tureta Local Government Area is expected to boost confidence among residents who have lived under the threat of attacks by armed groups.
Many communities in Sokoto and neighbouring Zamfara have experienced repeated security challenges due to their proximity to forest areas often used as hideouts by criminal gangs.
Authorities believe that continued operations targeting these camps will help reduce the activities of bandits and improve safety for farmers, traders and residents.
As troops continue their offensive, security agencies have assured the public that the momentum of the operation will be maintained.