How Security Forces killed 35 Bandits in Matuzgi, Magamin Diddi Villages in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian troops in collaboration with vigilante groups, have neutralized 35 bandits after a fierce gun battle with the terrorists in Zamfara State.

It was gathered that the bandits led by Jimmu Sumoli launched an attack on the village of Matuzgi in Talatar Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State. In response, security forces and villagers engaged the attackers in a gun battle which lasted for two hours.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama, a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region that during the clash, security forces and villagers managed to kill 25 bandits, while the bandits themselves killed three residents of Matuzgi village.

Following the intense fighting, the remaining bandits fled, attempting to return to their hideouts.

Consequently, as the bandits retreated, they were ambushed at Magamin Diddi village in Maradun Local Government Area. This ambush resulted in the death of an additional 10 bandits, bringing the total number of bandits killed to 35.

In previous months, bandits had launched a similar attack on Matuzgi village, where they kidnapped several villagers, killed the men they abducted, and only released the women after a large ransom was paid.

On August 27, 2024, intelligence was provided about the bandits’ plans to attack the villages of Matuzgi and Mai Jatau, with around 40 motorcycles seen heading towards the area. The swift response of security forces and villagers was crucial in repelling the attack and reducing further casualties.