Over 30 suspected bandits’ bodies found after gun battle in Zamfara — Police

The Zamfara State Police Command says more than 30 bodies suspected to be those of bandits were discovered in farmlands around Bukuyum town following a gun battle between security operatives and armed attackers.

The police said the bodies were reportedly found after security personnel, working with local security groups, repelled an attempted attack on the town on Wednesday, 28 October.

However, the command has not confirmed the identities of the dead or the actual number of casualties.

The police spokesperson, Yazid Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday.

Mr Abubakar, a deputy superintendent of police, said the confrontation occurred during an ongoing operation to dislodge armed groups from Bukuyum Local Government Area.

He said the attackers attempted to enter Bukuyum town but were stopped by security operatives following an exchange of gunfire.

“Following the engagement, more than thirty (30) bodies believed to be those of neutralised bandits were reportedly discovered in surrounding farmlands,” he said.

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He noted that armed groups operating in the area often evacuated their casualties from battle locations.

“However, the actual number of casualties remains subject to further verification by the authorities,” he said.

The police statement did not disclose whether any security personnel or civilians were killed or injured during the attack.

Mr Abubakar said the attackers were prevented from entering the town.

He also claimed that sustained security operations had forced some bandits to leave Zamfara State, but provided no details of their reported movements or destinations.

The police said operations were continuing in Bukuyum in collaboration with other security agencies and local security groups.