The Nigerian Army, in conjunction with local self-defence units, carried out a large-scale operation in Zamfara State, which, according to the authorities, resulted in the elimination of more than 300 members of armed gangs. The operation lasted two days in the Gummi area and, according to officials, marked an important step in the fight against banditry in the region.
Briefly about the main points
- The Nigerian Army has announced that it has killed more than 300 militants in Zamfara.
- The operation lasted two days in the Gummi area.
- Local self-defence units joined the fighting.
- The authorities described this as an important step in the fight against organised crime.
- An earlier attempt to storm the militants’ camp had failed.
Details of the operation in Zamfara State
According to the Information Commissioner for Zamfara State Mahmuda Muhammad Dantawasi, the operation took place in the Gummi area and lasted two days. The military and local self-defence units worked together against groups involved in the abduction of livestock and people. This was reported reports The Guardian.
Local residents reported that the fighting began on Wednesday night and continued until the following morning. According to them, around a thousand armed men, who had previously stolen livestock, were involved in the clash.
Background and previous attempts to combat gangs
According to local residents, the military had previously attempted to storm the militants’ camp but were forced to retreat due to the enemy’s numerical superiority.
Armed gangs and jihadists have been terrorising the north and centre for many years Nigeria, engaging in kidnappings, robberies and extortion of money from farmers.
Cooperation between jihadists and criminal gangs
According to analysts, jihadist and criminal groups in the region often collaborate, as they share common interests. They organise attacks and kidnappings, and extort money from local residents in exchange for access to land.
In recent years, these groups have stepped up their activities against a backdrop of weak central government and rising poverty in rural areas.
The importance of the operation
The operation in Zamfara demonstrates the ability of the army and local forces to work together in the fight against banditry, but at the same time highlights the scale of the problem, as such groups remain active in many parts of the country.
