Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A coordinated security operation involving the Zamfara State Police Command and military personnel has rescued a kidnapped staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Aliyu Mohammed, and thwarted multiple bandit attacks across the state, recovering hundreds of rustled cattle and restoring a measure of calm to communities long terrorised by armed criminals. The operation, which unfolded between Tuesday, 7 July 2026, and Wednesday, 8 July 2026, was confirmed by security expert Zagazola Makama in a post on X, who detailed how security operatives successfully dismantled a series of coordinated bandit raids in Gummi, Talata Mafara and Gusau local government areas of Zamfara State.
The first phase of the attack occurred at about 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, when a large group of heavily armed bandits riding approximately 50 motorcycles stormed villages in the Ruwan Bore District of Talata Mafara Local Government Area. The assailants, moving with military precision, rustled hundreds of cattle and left a trail of chaos in their wake. A woman was struck by a stray bullet during the attack and was evacuated to the General Hospital in Talata Mafara, where she is currently receiving treatment. The bandits, however, were not content with livestock alone. Among those caught in the web of the attack was Aliyu Mohammed, an INEC staff member who was on official assignment with the National Examinations Council (NECO). He had just transported examination scripts collected from secondary schools in Gummi to Sokoto when he was intercepted and kidnapped along the Gummi–Sokoto Road.
Police operatives from Gummi Division responded swiftly to the abduction. They recovered the abandoned Toyota Hilux vehicle and, crucially, secured the examination scripts, which were subsequently handed over to the Principal of Government Unity Secondary School, Gummi, Mr Ashiru Umar, for onward transmission to the appropriate NECO office in Sokoto. The recovery of the examination materials ensured that the academic schedules of countless students were not disrupted by the criminal act.
The rescue operation intensified in the early hours of Wednesday, 8 July 2026. Acting on intelligence, operatives of the Police Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), alongside military personnel, tracked the fleeing bandits to the Gando Forest. At approximately 2:45 a.m., the combined security team engaged the kidnappers in a fierce gun battle. The superior firepower of the joint force overwhelmed the bandits, forcing them to flee deeper into the forest with significant casualties, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds. During the operation, the kidnapped INEC official and another abducted victim were rescued unharmed. Security operatives also recovered hundreds of rustled cattle, which were subsequently returned to their rightful owners.
In a separate operation later that morning, Police VCRU and Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel responded to a bandit ambush in Gusau Local Government Area. The swift intervention of the security forces rescued all abducted farmers and travellers after the attackers fled the scene, preventing what could have been another tragedy in the region.
The Zamfara State Police Command has been at the forefront of efforts to combat banditry in the state, which has seen a surge in violent attacks, kidnappings, and cattle rustling. The successful rescue of Aliyu Mohammed and the recovery of the rustled cattle underscore the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations and inter-agency collaboration between the police and the military. The operation also highlights the critical role of community cooperation in providing timely intelligence that enables security forces to act decisively.
The rescue of the INEC staff member is particularly significant, as it demonstrates the government's resolve to protect public officials and citizens alike from the scourge of banditry. The recovery of the NECO examination scripts further underscores the importance of safeguarding educational materials and ensuring that the academic calendar remains uninterrupted by criminal activities. The people of Zamfara State, who have endured years of violence and displacement, have welcomed the operation as a sign that the tide may be turning against the criminal elements that have held rural communities hostage.
The success of the operation has also been a morale booster for the security forces, who have been engaged in a relentless campaign against bandits in the North-West. The police have reiterated their commitment to sustaining the momentum of such operations and have called on residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies. The collaboration between the police, the military, and local vigilantes has proven to be a formidable force against banditry, and the Zamfara State Police Command has vowed to build on this success.
The Zamfara State Government has also commended the security forces for their bravery and professionalism. Governor Dauda Lawal has previously commended security operatives for recovering hundreds of cattle and weapons from bandits, and this latest operation is another testament to the government's determination to restore peace and security in the state. The rescue of Aliyu Mohammed and the recovery of the rustled cattle have been hailed as a major victory in the ongoing fight against banditry, and the government has pledged to continue supporting security forces with the necessary resources to sustain the offensive.
As the security forces intensify their operations, the bandits are increasingly being pushed to the margins. The Gando Forest engagement has dealt a significant blow to the criminal network, and the recovery of the rustled cattle has provided a measure of justice to the victims of the raid. The operation has also sent a clear message to bandits that there is no safe haven for them in Zamfara State. The security forces have vowed to pursue the fleeing bandits and ensure that they are brought to justice.
The people of Zamfara State, who have suffered immensely from the activities of bandits, have expressed relief and gratitude for the successful operation. The rescue of the INEC staff member and the recovery of the rustled cattle have restored a sense of hope and confidence in the ability of the security forces to protect lives and property. The operation has also served as a reminder that the fight against banditry is a collective responsibility, and that the support of the community is essential to achieving lasting peace.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments