A joint security operation has foiled an attempted attack by armed bandits on Kanoma and Gidan Daji communities in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, neutralising six of the assailants in the process.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Zamfara State Command, DSP Yazid Abubakar, the incident occurred when a large number of armed bandits, reportedly wielding sophisticated weapons including RPGs, general-purpose machine guns (GPMGs), anti-aircraft guns, and AK-47 rifles, stormed the communities.

Following a distress alert, a combined team comprising Police Tactical Operatives from Maru Division, military personnel attached to Operation Fansan Yamma, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), and local vigilantes, led by the Divisional Police Officer, swiftly responded to the threat.

The statement said the security operatives engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to retreat and preventing the attack from succeeding.

“During the operation, six bandits riding on two motorcycles were neutralised, while several others fled into nearby forests with suspected gunshot wounds. No casualties were recorded among security personnel or residents,” Abubakar said.

He added that security presence had since been reinforced in the area, with sustained patrols ongoing to maintain peace, reassure residents, and track down fleeing suspects.

The Command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and credible information.