Army Neutralises 5 Bandits, Recovers Weapons and Motorcycles in Coordinated Sokoto-Zamfara Offensive

By Habibu Harisu | Expert Analysis by Security Affairs Desk

Sokoto, Dec. 19, 2025 (NAN) – In a significant escalation of counter-insurgency operations, troops from the 8 Division Garrison, Nigerian Army, Sokoto, have conducted a major coordinated offensive against bandit strongholds, resulting in the neutralisation of five armed criminals and the recovery of critical assets, including weapons, motorcycles, and communication equipment. This operation, which spanned multiple local government areas in Sokoto and Zamfara states, represents a continued push to dismantle the logistical and operational networks of criminal gangs terrorizing the region.

A senior military source, speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of ongoing operations, confirmed that the meticulously planned mission commenced on Wednesday. The source described it as “a decisive strike against banditry, part of a sweeping offensive targeting notorious hideouts that span the porous border region between Sokoto and Zamfara States.”

Context and Strategic Importance: The Northwest region of Nigeria, particularly the Sokoto-Zamfara corridor, has been plagued for years by banditry characterized by mass kidnappings for ransom, cattle rustling, and village raids. These operations are complex, often involving sophisticated networks with informants. The targeted villages—Gangara, Makawana, Satiru, Baici, and Kurkusu in Isa LGA of Sokoto—are known inflection points in this conflict.

“The military’s swift advance was designed to disrupt these criminal networks at their core,” the source explained. “By simultaneously targeting multiple enclaves, the operation denied the bandits their usual tactics of fleeing and regrouping in neighboring villages. This assertive maneuver forced many to scatter and allowed the military to establish temporary control over these troubled terrains, a key tactic in clearing and holding operations.”

Fierce Engagement in Zamfara: The operation intensified upon reaching Batamna village in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara state. Here, troops encountered heavy resistance, indicating the presence of a fortified position or a high-value target. “In the ensuing fierce firefight, the troops’ superior training and firepower prevailed,” the source added. “Five bandits were neutralized. The recovery of weapons, motorcycles, and, notably, Baofeng radios is particularly significant.”

Significance of Recovered Items:

• Motorcycles: The primary mode of transport for bandits in the region, enabling rapid, off-road attacks and retreats.
• Baofeng Radios: These cheap, widely available two-way radios are a staple of bandit communication, used to coordinate attacks, monitor security force movements, and manage kidnap negotiations. Their recovery disrupts command and control.
• Weapons: Typically include AK-47 pattern rifles and locally fabricated arms, the seizure of which directly degrades the group’s combat capability.

Broader Campaign Continuity: This latest action follows a pattern of targeted strikes by the 8 Division. NAN recalls that in early December, troops neutralized two high-profile bandit leaders, Kachalla Kallamu and Kachalla Na’Allah, in Sabon Birnin and Isa LGAs of Sokoto. Eliminating such kingpins creates leadership vacuums and disrupts criminal governance structures, making follow-up operations like this week’s vital for preventing new leaders from emerging.

Official and Civilian Reaction: The sustained pressure has garnered official praise. Retired Col. Ahmad Usman, Special Adviser on Security Matters to Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu, alongside community leaders, has commended the Nigerian Army and sister security agencies for the recent successes. This public endorsement is crucial for maintaining civil-military cooperation and intelligence flow from local communities, which is often the most critical component in counter-banditry operations.

Analyst Viewpoint: While the neutralization of five combatants and recovery of assets is a tactical success, security experts note the enduring challenge lies in a holistic strategy. Sustainable security requires not just kinetic operations, but also addressing the root causes of banditry—such as poverty, lack of opportunity, and weak local governance—and permanently securing liberated areas to allow displaced farmers and villagers to return safely to their livelihoods.

(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

HMH/ADA

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab | Expanded and Contextualized by Security Analysis Desk

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