The Nigerian Army has neutralised 13 suspected bandits and recovered several weapons during operations in the Tarah and Karawa communities in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
According to reports, soldiers stationed in Kurawa, near Kwanan Kimbo, engaged the terrorists in a gun battle that lasted for several hours on Monday.
A community source, who pleaded anonymity, said the troops initially ambushed the suspects and later pursued them to their enclave.
“The army engaged them in a fierce battle. The bandits retreated and fled towards their hideout across the stream.
We counted nine bodies in our area, and another four were found in the nearby bush along the stream. Soldiers also recovered several weapons and took them back to Kurawa,” the source said.
A reliable military source confirmed the encounter, describing it as a fierce exchange in which gallant troops neutralised several terrorists without casualties on the side of the army. Eight AK-47 rifles and a large quantity of ammunition were reportedly recovered.
Another source, though not authorised to speak, added that the terrorists suffered heavy losses and that the operation was executed by troops of Operation Fanasan Yamma.
The source further revealed that early on Friday morning, bandits attacked the Gatawa community but were overpowered by local vigilantes and a military team.
Residents of Kurawa and neighbouring communities were said to have celebrated the military successes and appealed for sustained operations to protect them from further attacks.
Confirming the incident, the member representing Sabon Birni in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Alhaji Aminu Boza, said at least nine bodies believed to be those of the terrorists had been sighted. He added that further searches were ongoing.
Sabon Birni and the surrounding communities have suffered repeated attacks from bandits in recent years.