Troops Kill Bandit Kingpins Anaruwa, Gomina, 7 Others In Zamfara

Troops of Sector 2, Nigerian Army have, neutralised two bandit kingpins Anaruwa and Gomina along with seven others in a series of operations conducted in the last three days in Zamfara and Katsina States.

Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Army/Sector 2 Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, confirmed the development in a statement.

He said that in Zamfara State, troops at the Forward Operating Base in Bagega carried out a high-risk operation in Anka Local Government Area, leading to the neutralisation of seven terrorists, including two notorious kingpins identified as Anaruwa and Gomina.

Anaruwa was the younger brother of Kachalla Idi Aiki, a notorious terrorist commander.

Lt. Col. Olaniyi further stated that during the first operation, the troops engaged terrorists along the Bagega–Anka Road in a firefight.

‘The initial clash forced 4 armed terrorists on 2 motorcycles to retreat, abandoning their motorbikes. However, the terrorists regrouped and launched a counterattack on Forward Operating Base Bagega.” he said.

According to him, following reinforcement by various combat teams and supported by precision airstrikes from the Air Component, the troops repelled the assault as a second wave of 8  terrorists on 4 motorcycles was engaged, resulting in the neutralisation of 3 terrorists.

“During the operation, troops recovered 2 AK-47 rifles with loaded magazines and 7 motorcycles,” Olaniyi said.

According to the statement, during a follow-on operation on 3 May 2026, troops encountered 2 additional terrorists on motorbikes in the same area, who were killed on the spot.

He said, “Tragically, one soldier paid the ultimate sacrifice during the operation. Troops have consolidated their presence in Bagega, maintaining dominance over the area to prevent further threats.”

Olaniyi, while highlighting the Army’s success in Katsina State, said, troops of Forward Operating Base Fudma, during a fighting patrol, encountered the terrorists along Turare–Yantumaki Road in Dutsima LGA of Katsina State.

“The troops successfully neutralised 9 terrorists, including 2 kingpins and recovered 4 AK-47 rifles, 9 motorcycles across Katsina and Zamfara States,” the statement added.

He also said the troops eliminated 4 terrorists and recovered 2 AK-47 rifles with 2 magazines and some quantities of ammunition, as well 2 motorcycles, 7 mobile phones and the sum of One Hundred and Fifty Three Thousand Naira ( ₦153, 000).

Olaniyi commended the troops and reaffirmed the command’s dedication in protecting lives and property of the citizens.

He urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies for prompt actions.(Daily trust)