More than 30 bodies suspected to be those of bandits have been discovered in farmlands around Bukuyum town in Zamfara State following a confrontation between security operatives and armed bandits, the police have said.
The Zamfara State Police Command said its personnel, working alongside local civil security outfits, repelled an attempted attack on Bukuyum town during ongoing clearance operations against armed bandits in the area.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, the command said the operation began on December 28, 2026, following an attempt by armed bandits to invade the town.
According to the police, security operatives engaged the attackers in a fierce exchange of gunfire, preventing them from advancing into the community.
The command said more than 30 bodies believed to be those of neutralised bandits were subsequently discovered in surrounding farmlands, suggesting that the attackers might have suffered heavy casualties.
However, it noted that the actual number of casualties was yet to be verified, explaining that armed bandits were known to evacuate their dead and wounded from battle locations.
The police said the successful defence of the town prevented possible loss of lives, destruction of property and further displacement of residents.
It added that preliminary security assessments indicated that sustained military and security pressure had forced some of the remaining bandits to leave the state.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the clearance operations in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to rid the area of criminal elements.
It also said the operations were aimed at restoring public confidence and ensuring the safety of residents across the affected communities.
