Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) has recorded a major success in the fight against banditry in Zamfara State, neutralizing several notorious criminals who had long terrorized residents of Keta community in Tsafe Local Government Area. The operation, which took place on Monday, targeted bandits loyal to wanted kingpins Kachalla Juli, Uti and Ibrahim, who have been responsible for countless attacks, cattle rustling, destruction of farmlands and the displacement of villagers across the Tsafe axis. Sources within the CJTF told Stone Reporters News that the operatives engaged the armed group in a fierce gun battle that lasted several hours, eventually overpowering the criminals with superior tactical coordination. The neutralized bandits were identified as close associates of the three kingpins, effectively dismantling a key cell of the criminal network.
For years, Keta community and surrounding villages have suffered repeated raids by bandits who not only looted homes and rustled livestock but also set fire to farmlands, destroying the primary source of livelihood for the agrarian population. Farmers who attempted to resist were often killed or abducted for ransom. The success of the CJTF operation has brought a measure of relief to the traumatized community, with residents expressing gratitude for the bravery and selflessness of the local security volunteers. The CJTF, originally formed to support military operations against Boko Haram in the North‑East, has increasingly played a vital role in the North‑West, where banditry has displaced thousands and created a humanitarian crisis. The operatives acted on intelligence reports indicating that the bandits had regrouped near Keta to launch fresh attacks on nearby farming settlements.
The latest operation underscores the growing effectiveness of community‑based security initiatives in Zamfara, where state security forces have been stretched thin by the scale of the insurgency. Although the Nigerian military and police continue to conduct clearance operations across the state, the CJTF has become an indispensable force multiplier. The neutralization of bandits loyal to Kachalla Juli, Uti and Ibrahim is expected to disrupt the supply lines and communication networks of the larger criminal syndicates operating in Tsafe and neighbouring local government areas. In the aftermath of the operation, the CJTF has urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to security agencies. Authorities have commended the operatives for their courage and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting community defence initiatives. As the region gradually recovers from years of violence, the success of the CJTF provides a glimmer of hope that collective action can restore peace and security to rural communities.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments