Troops of the Nigerian Army, working alongside local vigilantes, have repelled a bandit attack on Fegin Mahe community in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The attack reportedly triggered panic among residents, with some fleeing the community on Thursday amid fears of further attacks.
According to local sources, some of the suspected bandits were killed during the encounter, while others fled following the intervention of the security personnel. Reinforcements were subsequently deployed to the area to prevent the attackers from regrouping or launching another assault.
In Plateau State, troops of Operation Enduring Peace also foiled an ambush on a school staff member and his son along the Dorowa Babuje axis in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The incident occurred on Thursday, October 15, 2026, when the victims were travelling on a motorcycle. Security personnel responded swiftly to the attack, leading to the arrest of one suspected bandit and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle.
Other members of the suspected group reportedly escaped towards the Jong area of Ropp District in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The Berom Youth Moulders-Association commended the security personnel for their response, while urging the military to sustain intelligence-led operations and intensify efforts to track down fleeing suspects.
The association also raised concerns over a video circulating on social media that allegedly showed Berom youths mobilising to attack Fulani communities. It described the footage as potentially AI-generated and urged security agencies and the public to verify such content before sharing it.
The latest incidents come amid continued security challenges in parts of Zamfara and Plateau states, where communities have faced attacks, kidnappings and other criminal activities.
Security agencies have continued to rely on military operations, intelligence gathering and collaboration with local vigilantes and communities as part of efforts to curb banditry and protect residents.
Details of casualties from the Zamfara incident and the extent of damage to property were not immediately available, while there was no official statement from the Nigerian Army or Zamfara State Police Command on the attack as of the time of filing this report.