Police repel bandit attack, recover two motorcycles in Zamfara

The Zamfara State Police Command has repelled an attack by armed bandits and recovered two motorcycles during a joint anti-banditry operation in Anka Local Government Area of the state.

The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Gusau.

According to the statement, the operation took place on June 8 at about 4:00 p.m. and involved a joint security team comprising personnel from the Police Anti-Vice and Criminal Response Unit (VCRU), the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards, the Mobile Police Force, and Civilian Security Volunteers.

The operatives were conducting a routine anti-banditry patrol along the Gadar Manya axis in Anka LGA when they encountered a group of armed bandits attempting to cross the highway.

The statement said the bandits opened fire immediately after sighting the security team, triggering a fierce gun battle that lasted for about two hours.

Security operatives responded with superior firepower, forcing the bandits to flee into the surrounding bush with suspected gunshot wounds.

During a search of the area, the security team recovered two motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing suspects.

The command noted that the latest recovery increased the total number of motorcycles seized from bandits in recent operations across Zamfara State to 12.

Police authorities said efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing criminals.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the fight against banditry and other criminal activities across the state through intelligence-driven operations and coordinated security efforts.

It also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could assist in preventing crime and restoring lasting peace in affected communities.

The police assured members of the public that operations against criminal elements would continue until security is fully restored across the state.