RismadarVoice Reporters, June 22, 2026
Troops of Sector 1, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), have neutralised two suspected bandits, arrested four others and recovered rustled livestock during a series of operations across Kaduna State.
The military disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja.
According to the statement, the operations, conducted between June 20 and 21, were part of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities in the North-West region.
The troops reportedly responded to credible intelligence on cattle rustling activities on June 20 and engaged fleeing criminals in a gun battle.
“Troops made contact with the fleeing criminals and engaged them in a firefight, neutralising two suspected bandits while recovering weapons, ammunition and rustled livestock,” the statement said.
The military added that the swift intervention disrupted the criminal operation and led to the recovery of the stolen animals. However, one civilian was killed during the incident as a result of the bandits’ actions.
In a separate operation on the same day, troops intercepted two suspected bandits during a night patrol. Preliminary investigations reportedly uncovered digital materials linking the suspects to terrorist and bandit activities. The suspects are currently in custody and undergoing further investigation.
On June 21, troops on a fighting patrol encountered armed criminals who retreated into nearby bushes after coming under military pressure.
The troops subsequently arrested two suspected bandit scouts and recovered motorcycles and communication devices containing what authorities described as incriminating evidence.
Military authorities said preliminary findings indicated the suspects’ involvement in criminal activities, adding that investigations were ongoing.
Meanwhile, troops also intervened in a civil disturbance at Mararraba community in Kaduna State following the mob killing of a woman accused of child trafficking.
According to the military, the angry crowd attempted to attack public infrastructure and block a major highway before security personnel arrived at the scene.
The troops dispersed the mob, secured critical facilities and restored normal movement of commuters while maintaining security presence in the area.
The Theatre Commander commended the troops for their vigilance, discipline and operational effectiveness, noting that the recent successes underscored the military’s determination to sustain pressure on terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.
He assured residents that ongoing intelligence-driven and offensive operations would continue to dismantle criminal networks and improve security across the region.
