Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Zamfara State Police Command, in collaboration with military personnel, has recovered 329 rustled cattle, 175 sheep, an AK-47 rifle and 15 rounds of live ammunition during a tactical operation against bandits in Gumi Local Government Area of the state.
The recovery followed a joint operation carried out by operatives of the Police Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit and military troops at Gambanda Forest in the early hours of Saturday.
According to the police, the operatives engaged armed bandits in a gun battle, forcing the attackers to flee into the forest.
Police spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said the suspects were overpowered by the combined team and are believed to have escaped with injuries.
He stated, “On June 20, 2026, at about 2:30 a.m., operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, in collaboration with military personnel, carried out a tactical operation at Gambanda Forest in Gumi Local Government Area of the state.
“During the operation, the joint security team engaged armed bandits in a fierce gun duel.
“The superior firepower and tactical response of the operatives forced the criminals to flee into the forest with possible injuries, successfully repelling the attack.
“As a result of the operation, the security team recovered 329 rustled cattle, 175 sheep, one AK-47 rifle and 15 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.”
Abubakar said the Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Bello, commended the operatives for their courage and professionalism.
He added that the command would continue efforts to combat banditry and urged residents to support security agencies with credible and timely information.
