Troops kill two bandit kingpins, others in Zamfara gun battle

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have killed at least five suspected bandits, including two notorious kingpins identified as Baban Love and Mai Zamani, during a gun battle in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The operation reportedly took place in the western axis of Tsafe LGA, an area that has witnessed repeated attacks by armed groups.

The development was disclosed in a post on X by counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama.

According to security sources, Baban Love, who operated with his gang around Gunja, mobilised his fighters before they encountered security personnel, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.

The troops eventually overpowered the bandits and killed at least five of them during the encounter.

Mai Zamani was identified as the younger brother of Idi Mai Randa, another suspected bandit kingpin who was killed about five months ago.

Residents of Kwarin Ganuwa reportedly celebrated the deaths of Baban Love and Mai Zamani, while vehicles belonging to the bandits were said to have been recovered and paraded around the community.

Security sources said efforts were ongoing to identify the other casualties and assess the weapons and other items recovered from the bandits.

DAILY POST reports that troops operating under Operation FANSAN YANMA have intensified operations against armed groups across Zamfara and other parts of the North-West.