Police Neutralise Notorious Bandit Leader, Arrest Three in Zamfara

The Zamfara State Police Command says it has neutralised a notorious bandit leader, arrested three suspected criminals and recovered arms and motorcycles during a coordinated anti-banditry operation in Gummi Local Government Area of the state.

The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, saying the operation was carried out by operatives of the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU) led by the Divisional Police Officer of Bukkuyum Division, CSP Usman Halilu Modibbo.
According to the statement, the operation followed credible intelligence indicating the presence of armed bandits around the outskirts of Birisawa village in Gummi Local Government Area on June 9 at about 6:30 p.m.
The police said the operatives mobilised to the area and engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle upon arrival. During the encounter, the gang leader was neutralised while three suspects were arrested. Several other members of the gang reportedly escaped into a nearby forest with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
The statement added that the operatives subsequently destroyed the bandits’ camp and recovered five motorcycles and three firearms believed to have been used by the criminals in carrying out their activities.
The command said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts and deny bandits safe havens across the state.
It added that security operatives had intensified efforts to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects, while maintaining sustained pressure on criminal elements operating in the area.
The police reiterated their commitment to combating banditry and other violent crimes, assuring residents of continued operations aimed at safeguarding lives and property throughout Zamfara State.
Abubakar urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information that could aid ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal activities.