Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA under the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army have engaged more than 200 suspected bandits in a fierce battle along the Kebbi-Zamfara border.

The bandits, who were reportedly mobilised on motorcycles, were allegedly advancing towards communities in Kebbi State when the troops moved to intercept and repel them.

The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Olayinka Osoba, confirmed the development in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Monday.

Osoba said the operation was still ongoing, noting that the military was withholding specific details to avoid compromising the engagement.

“It is an ongoing operation. We cannot give details because it will compromise the operation. However, we will give details after the intense fighting going on right now,” he said.

He explained that ground troops were being supported by the air component of the Nigerian Air Force as the military intensified efforts to prevent the bandits from entering Kebbi communities.

According to him, the armed men had gathered in large numbers and were attempting to gain access to villages in the state for a possible attack on residents.

“The ground troops, supported by the air component, are currently engaging the bandits who are trying to gain access into Kebbi villages,” Osoba said.

Sources in the affected area identified Gadar Zaima, in the northern part of Zuru Emirate, as one of the communities considered vulnerable to attacks. Onashi and Mai Rairai, in the southern axis, have also experienced spillover threats from Zamfara.

The latest confrontation comes amid continued military operations along the Kebbi-Zamfara corridor, as security forces intensify efforts to prevent armed groups operating in Zamfara from extending their activities into communities in Kebbi State.

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