Army troops engaged bandits in Talata Marafa and Bungudu local government areas of Zamfara State in fierce battle, seizing  arms and ammunitions in the process.

The Army Director of Public Relations, Onyeama Nwachukwu, disclosed on Saturday in a statement titled, ‘Nigerian Army troops neutralise scores of bandits in fierce encounters, recover arms and ammunition.’

Items recovered from the duel include AK 47 rifles, mobile phones and motorcycles.

The statement read, “Troops of 8 Division Nigerian Army, while on a fighting patrol, came under fire of bandits operating along Mayanchi-Dogo Karfe and Fagantama villages in Talata Marafa LGA of Zamfara State.

“In the fierce encounter that ensued, the bandits were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the troops.

“This led to scores of bandits being neutralized. The troops also recovered one PKT riffle, large cache of ammunition, and a motorcycle.

Relatedly, troops have neutralized 5 bandits in another encounter at Bingi village, in Bungudu LGA of Zamfara.

“During the gun duel, the bandits withdrew in disarray having sustained severe gunshot wounds.

“Thegallant troops recovered one AK 47 riffle, one Motorcycle and 3 mobile phones from the routed criminals.”

“While appreciating the combat resilience and renewed vigor of the troops, the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Faruk Yahaya urged them to sustain the aggressive posture in order to defeat all criminal elements operating in the North West and other parts of the country.

“He urged communities in the North West to support the troops with useful information at all times to enhance anti- banditry operations.”