Nigerian Troops Raid Bandit Hideout in Zamfara, Free Three Hostages

Nigerian Troops Raid Bandit Hideout in Zamfara, Free Three Hostages

June 13, 2026

The Nigerian Army has recorded another significant breakthrough in its ongoing campaign against terrorism and banditry in the North-West, as troops of Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, neutralised a suspected terrorist, rescued three kidnapped victims, and destroyed a notorious bandits’ camp during a coordinated operation in Zamfara State.

The successful operation, carried out on June 12 across communities in Zurmi and Shinkafi Local Government Areas, forms part of intensified military efforts aimed at restoring peace and security to areas plagued by criminal activities.

According to an operational report released on Saturday in Abuja, troops embarked on a fighting patrol covering Birnin Saba, Yanbuki, and Sabon Garin Daudawa communities when they encountered armed terrorists operating within the Yanbuki District of Zurmi Local Government Area.

Military sources disclosed that the troops immediately engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle, demonstrating superior firepower and tactical coordination. During the exchange, one terrorist was neutralised, while several others fled into nearby bushes to escape the advancing soldiers.

Following the successful engagement, troops conducted a thorough search of the area and recovered a cache of items believed to have been used by the fleeing terrorists. The recovered items included rifles, four loaded magazines, two motorcycles, seven mobile phones, two MP3 players, a woodland camouflage trouser, and an inner vest.

Determined to sustain the momentum, the troops intensified their pursuit of the fleeing criminals and advanced toward Sabon Garin Daudawa, a community believed to have served as a strategic base for bandit operations in the area.

On sighting the advancing military personnel, the terrorists reportedly abandoned their camp and escaped, leaving behind valuable intelligence and operational materials. Troops subsequently stormed the hideout, cleared the area, and destroyed the camp to prevent it from being used for future criminal activities.

In a major humanitarian success, the soldiers also rescued three kidnapped victims during the clearance operation. The victims, whose identities were not immediately disclosed, were safely evacuated from the area and handed over to appropriate authorities for medical attention and further assistance.

Security analysts have described the operation as another major setback for criminal groups operating in Zamfara and other parts of the North-West, where banditry, kidnapping, and terrorist activities have continued to threaten lives and livelihoods.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive offensive operations across Zamfara State and the wider North-West region until terrorist networks and bandit groups are completely dismantled.

Military authorities assured residents that troops would continue to maintain pressure on criminal elements, disrupt their logistics networks, destroy their hideouts, and secure communities against attacks.

The latest success comes amid ongoing military operations targeting notorious bandit enclaves across Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kebbi states, as security forces intensify efforts to restore lasting peace and stability to the region.

Residents in affected communities have been urged to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information that could aid ongoing operations against terrorists and other criminal elements