Troops repel attack on Birnin Tudu, dozens of bandits killed

Nigerian troops repelled an attack on Birnin Tudu community and killed dozens of bandits during a fierce gun battle.

The attack began early Friday morning when hundreds of gunmen arrived on motorcycles, forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes. Soldiers stationed nearby responded to distress calls and were joined by local vigilantes who mobilized to defend the community.

According to Donjoe Media, the joint forces engaged the attackers in close-quarters combat. The vigilantes used their knowledge of the terrain while troops provided superior firepower, forcing the surviving bandits to retreat into the forests.

Troops recovered weapons abandoned by the fleeing gunmen, including multiple AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and several motorcycles used for mobility. Intelligence officers said the recovered weapons are being analyzed to trace supply chains. The seizure of motorcycles is significant as bandits rely on them for rapid movement across rural areas.

The retreating gunmen attacked isolated settlements during their escape, destroying farm produce, stealing livestock, and killing a few civilians. The military has deployed additional rapid response units to secure those flanks.

Residents said Birnin Tudu had faced repeated extortion, with bandits demanding protection taxes from farmers. The successful defense has been welcomed as breaking that cycle of intimidation.

The operation falls under Operation Hadarin Daji, the federal campaign to stabilize the North-West. Defence commanders said combat helicopters are providing aerial surveillance to support ground troops, improving air-to-ground coordination.

The active role of vigilantes marks a shift in rural defence strategy. Officials said combining local intelligence with professional military firepower makes it harder for bandits to use forest escape routes, and encouraged more community-level collaboration.

The Zamfara State Government commended the troops and vigilantes and promised additional logistical support to sustain operations. Authorities also urged citizens to continue sharing actionable intelligence.

Humanitarian concerns remain, as conflict has displaced thousands into temporary camps who need food and medicine, and disrupted farming during harvest season. The Nigerian Police Force has deployed tactical squads to hold areas cleared by the military so soldiers can continue forward operations.

Security analysts warned that retreating bandits often attempt reprisal attacks and cross state borders into Katsina or Sokoto to evade troops. They called for simultaneous offensives across states and better intelligence sharing https://defencehq.gov.ng/.

The military said it is training personnel to observe rules of engagement and minimize civilian harm while pursuing fleeing remnants and establishing forward operating bases to prevent bandits from returning.

By Jonadab Oluikpe