This archive report was first published on 13 January 2020.
January 13, 2020, marked a significant turning point in the fight against banditry in Zamfara, Nigeria, as the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, police, and Department of State Services joined forces to take down the perpetrators.
According to Captain Ayobami Oni-Orisan, acting Force Information Officer, the decision to renew the use of force against the bandits was made after they refused to surrender and embrace the peace process introduced by Zamfara six months ago.
The Zamfara amnesty program, which aimed to bring the bandits to the negotiating table, had been met with resistance from some of the criminals, leading to a renewed crackdown.
During the operation, the Nigerian troops rescued 10 kidnap victims, recovered arms and special ammunition, and seized 23 motorcycles. Three bandits, Abubakar Kiri Koloma, Abubakar Ibrahim, and Haruna Alhaji Yaro, were also arrested.
Furthermore, the collaboration between the Nigerian Defence Forces and the Defence Forces of Niger Republic led to the arrest of a high-profile gunrunner, popularly known as 'Kunene', who was responsible for the influx of arms and ammunition into Zamfara and Katsina.
Commissioner of Police Usman Nagogo assured citizens of their safety during the crackdown, emphasizing the commitment of the security forces to protecting the people of Zamfara.
