Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have killed five suspected bandits, including a notorious kingpin identified as Baban Love, during a fierce gun battle in Zamfara State.

The operation was carried out following intelligence reports on the movement and activities of armed bandits operating in parts of the state.

Security sources said the troops engaged the criminals in a coordinated offensive, leading to an exchange of gunfire that resulted in the death of five bandits.

Among those killed was Baban Love, who had allegedly been linked to several violent attacks, kidnappings and other criminal activities across communities in the North-West.

The operation also forced other members of the gang to flee with varying degrees of injuries as troops maintained pressure on the fleeing suspects.

Military sources said the successful operation forms part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore security in Zamfara and neighbouring states affected by banditry.

Troops reportedly recovered weapons and other items during the operation, while follow-up missions were launched to track down fleeing members of the gang.

Residents in the area were urged to continue providing useful information to security agencies to support ongoing operations against criminal elements.

The latest development comes amid intensified military offensives targeting bandit strongholds across the North-West region, where security forces have recorded a series of successes against armed groups in recent months.

Military authorities reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining operations until bandit groups operating in the region are dismantled and normalcy is restored to affected communities.