Security operatives have killed six suspected bandits and foiled a large-scale attack on Kanoma Town and Gidan Daji Village in Maru Local Government Area, Zamfara State.

According to the Zamfara Police Command, the incident occurred around 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday when a large group of armed men stormed the communities. Police said the attackers carried sophisticated weapons including Rocket-Propelled Grenades, General Purpose Machine Guns, anti-aircraft guns, and AK-47 rifles.

Police Public Relations Officer DSP Yazid Abubakar said distress calls from residents triggered a swift joint response. Officers from Maru Police Division, troops of Operation Fansar Yamma, Violent Crime Response Unit personnel, and local vigilantes moved in and engaged the attackers in a prolonged gun battle.

The police said the coordinated firepower forced the bandits to retreat. Six of them, riding on two motorcycles, were neutralised during the exchange, while several others fled into nearby forests with suspected gunshot injuries. No casualties were recorded among security personnel or residents.

Recovered at the scene were two motorcycles abandoned by fleeing attackers. The Command said this brings to 12 the number of motorcycles recovered in recent anti-banditry operations in the state.

DSP Abubakar added that operations to track down the injured bandits and secure the area are ongoing.

Sources: Zamfara State Police Command via DSP Yazid Abubakar, Punch, Glintnews, Headlines Nigeria