Nigerian troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have killed two notorious bandit leaders causing unrest in northwestern states of the country.
The suspects were killed in Katsina and Zamfara States.
Alhaji Ma’oli, alongside an in unconfirmed number of his foot soldiers, were reportedly killed by troops during an operation in Mai Sheka hamlet, Kunchin Kalgo town, Katsina State.
Zagazola Makama, a counterterrorism and insurgency specialist in the Lake Chad Basin, reported that Ma’oli was in charge of enforcing levies and carrying out illegal activities in Unguwan Rogo, Mai Sheka, Magazawa, Unguwar Dan Halima, Unguwar Dan Mairo, and Katangan Yamma.
Meanwhile, on December 25, troops under the Counter Terrorism Team 7 (CT 7) in Zamfara State, while patrolling the Bilbis-Danjigba axis in Tsafe Local Government Area, ran into some bandits.
Following a gun battle that ensued, the leader of the Kuchi Kalgo camp identified as Kachalla Muchelli was killed.
Quoting Makama, “Military sources confirmed that these operations form part of ongoing efforts to eliminate banditry and terrorism in the region.
“The success of these missions further underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to restoring peace and security across affected areas”.