Troops clash with outlaws en route to villages in Kebbi

Troops from Operation FANSAN YAMMA, operating under the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, have clashed with over 200 suspected bandits in a intense battle along the Kebbi-Zamfara border.

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The bandits, who had mobilized on motorcycles, were allegedly heading towards communities in Kebbi State when the troops intervened to intercept and repel them.

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The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Olayinka Osoba, confirmed the development in a telephone interview on Monday, stating that the operation was still ongoing.

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Osoba noted that the military was withholding specific details of the operation to avoid compromising the engagement, saying "It is an ongoing operation, we cannot give details because it will compromise the operation."

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He added that details would be released after the intense fighting had subsided, and explained that ground troops were being supported by the air component of the Nigerian Air Force.

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The military's efforts were aimed at preventing the bandits from entering Kebbi communities, as the armed men had gathered in large numbers and were attempting to gain access to villages in the state.

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Osoba stated that "The ground troops, supported by the air component, are currently engaging the bandits who are trying to gain access into Kebbi villages," as the military intensified its operations.

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Communities such as Gadar Zaima, in the northern part of Zuru Emirate, were considered vulnerable to attacks, according to sources in the affected area.

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Onashi and Mai Rairai, in the southern axis, had also experienced spillover threats from Zamfara, highlighting the need for continued military operations in the region.

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The latest confrontation occurred amid ongoing military operations along the Kebbi-Zamfara corridor, as security forces worked to prevent armed groups in Zamfara from extending their activities into Kebbi State.