By: John Bassey, Gusau.

In a renewed effort to rid Zamfara State of the activities of armed bandits and other criminal elements, the Zamfara State Police Command has recorded another operational success with the rescue of two abducted victims, the killing of one armed bandit, and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle with its magazine.

This was disclosed in a statement by DSP Yazid Abubakar, ANIPR
Police Public Relations Officer, Zamfara State Command, made available to Journalists in Gusau, the state capital.

According to the statement, on 24 August 2026, at about 1430hrs, a joint team of Police Tactical Operatives, members of the Community Protection Guard (CPG), and Civilian JTF, while conducting a rescue operation along Tashar Lawali Village, Kagara District, Talata Mafara Local Government Area, intercepted a group of armed bandits riding on five motorcycles and moving with some abducted persons.

Upon sighting the joint security forces, the bandits opened fire on the operatives. The team immediately responded with superior firepower, successfully repelling the attack and forcing the criminals to retreat.

During the ensuing encounter, the joint forces neutralised one of the armed bandits, while an AK-47 rifle together with its magazine was recovered from the neutralised suspect.

The operatives also successfully rescued two of the abducted victims, while the remaining members of the gang fled into the surrounding area with multiple gunshot injuries.

No casualties were recorded among the joint security forces.

The operation is still ongoing, as the operatives continue to intensify efforts to track the fleeing bandits, rescue additional abducted victims, and recover more weapons.

The Commissioner of Police, Zamfara State Command, CP A.M. Bello, PSC+, MNIPS, commended the joint security teams for their courage, resilience, and prompt response. He assured the people of Zamfara State that the Command remains committed to sustaining intelligence-led and coordinated operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring lasting peace across the State.