Troops of Operation Fasin Yamma (OPFY) have launched a major offensive against bandits in Zamfara State, neutralising several terrorists, destroying their camps, and recovering a large cache of ammunition.

The operation, conducted in the Anka Local Government Area, targeted forest hideouts believed to be strongholds of notorious bandit leaders. According to military sources, the troops acted on credible intelligence that revealed the movement of armed groups and the stockpiling of weapons in the area.

During the clearance mission, the troops reportedly engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle, forcing many to abandon their positions and flee. A cache of light machine gun (LMG) ammunition, AK-47 rounds, and communication gadgets used by the bandits was recovered.

“The troops acted immediately and engaged the bandits in a fire-for-fire operation that forced many of them to flee their hideouts, leaving behind weapons and supplies,” a security source said.

Confirming the operation, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, said the offensive was part of ongoing efforts by the Armed Forces to eliminate armed groups and restore peace in the North-West region.

He reiterated the military’s commitment to sustaining operations until banditry and other criminal activities are completely eradicated.

“The Nigerian Armed Forces remain resolute in ensuring peace and security in Zamfara and other parts of the country. We will continue to intensify operations until all criminal elements are neutralised and law-abiding citizens can go about their activities safely,” he stated.

Residents of nearby communities expressed relief over the intensified military presence and urged the troops to maintain the momentum until total peace is restored.

Meanwhile, the United Church of Christ in Nigeria (UCCN), known as HEKAN, has condemned the recent armed bandits’ attack on the Farin Dutse community in the Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where one of its priests was killed.

The terrorists were said to have invaded the community and unleashed mayhem on innocent and unarmed citizens, which led to the killing of a clergyman, Reverend Yahaya Kambasaya.

Over twenty persons, among whom are HEKAN members, were also said to have been abducted and are still with their captors in the den of the terrorists.

According to a statement on Thursday made available to journalists in Kaduna by HEKAN President, Reverend Amos Kiri, “the sad event took place in the early hours of Tuesday, 28th October 2025,” adding, “four other members of HEKAN Church, Kakude Local Church Branch, were earlier kidnapped on October 19th 2025, and are still being held captive.”

Kiri said, “HEKAN members, especially in the Kauru Local Government axis, have been experiencing attacks by armed men suspected to be bandits or cattle rustlers.”

“With a deep heart, on behalf of HEKAN Headquarters, I wish to inform the world of a tragic incident that occurred in Farin Dutse, a community in the Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, of a bandits’ attack on our pastor and some other persons in the area,” he added.

HEKAN President said, “According to a report from one of our pastors over there, Rev. Dauda Gambo, the Chairman of HEKAN Kauru District Church Council, heavily armed bandits/cattle rustlers attacked the community (Farin Dutse) in the early hours of Tuesday, October 28, 2025, and perpetrated evil on innocent residents.”

“The attack resulted in the death of Rev. Yahaya Kambasaya and the kidnapping of over 20 people, among them HEKAN members.”