In a decisive operation conducted by Operation Hadarin Daji, four notorious bandits met their end on Friday night in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State. A highly credible source within the ranks of the operation confirmed the incident to The PUNCH, speaking on the condition of anonymity.According to the source, the operation was a response to a tip-off about an imminent attack on a local community by the armed bandits. Swiftly mobilizing upon receiving the information, the courageous troops engaged the criminals in a fierce gun duel, thwarting their sinister plans and protecting the vulnerable village.”After the intense encounter,” the source revealed, “four bandits were neutralized, while others managed to escape, carrying gunshot wounds.” Additionally, the troops accomplished a significant feat by recovering a General Purpose Machine Gun, one FN Rifle, and a cache of 123 rounds of special ammunition during the engagement.This successful operation was part of a larger coordinated effort by the troops to rid the region of banditry. In recent times, several bandits’ camps had been targeted and cleared at strategic locations such as Mutuwa, Guda tudu, Kawar, Dantayawa, Gidan Kare, Mahuta, and Gyado villages spanning both Zamfara and Sokoto states.In light of these achievements, Major General Godwin Mutkut, the esteemed General Officer of 8 Division Sokoto and the Commander of the Joint Taskforce for Operation Hadarin Daji North-West zone, commended the exceptional efforts of the troops in eliminating the bandits and restoring peace to the region.Nevertheless, General Mutkut emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the military and the general public. He urged citizens to play their part by cooperating with the troops and providing timely and valuable information about the hideouts and activities of the bandits. This collective effort, he asserted, would be instrumental in the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of the affected communities.