Troops Kill Five Suspected Bandits, Two Kingpins in Zamfara Gun Battle

Troops operating under Operation FANSAN YANMA have reportedly killed at least five suspected bandits, including two alleged kingpins, Baban Love and Mai Zamani, during a gun battle in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The clash occurred in the western part of Tsafe LGA, an area that has recorded repeated attacks by armed groups.

The development was disclosed by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama in a post on X, citing security sources.

According to the sources, Baban Love, who operated with his gang around Gunja, mobilised his fighters before they encountered troops, resulting in a fierce exchange of gunfire.

The troops eventually overpowered the armed group, killing at least five suspected bandits during the encounter. Mai Zamani was identified as the younger brother of another suspected bandit leader, Idi Mai Randa, who was reportedly killed about five months ago.

Residents of Kwarin Ganuwa were said to have celebrated the reported deaths of Baban Love and Mai Zamani. Vehicles allegedly belonging to the bandits were also reportedly recovered and paraded around the community.

Security sources said efforts were ongoing to identify the other casualties and assess weapons and other items recovered from the scene.

The reported operation comes as troops under Operation FANSAN YANMA continue military operations against armed groups in Zamfara and other parts of the North-West, where bandit attacks and kidnappings remain a security concern.