No fewer than 213 bodies of terrorists and their collaborators have been recovered days after intense exchange of gunfire between the troops of the Nigerian Army and the gunmen in some communities in Zamfara State.

It was gathered that no fewer than 10 troops were killed in the attacks

This is just as the air component and ground troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralised many terrorists in Malele, Dansadau Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Terrorist activities in the area have been exacerbated due to the lingering crisis between Hausas and Fulanis over the devouring of farm produce thereby making the area very volatile, especially in Malele, Maigoge, Yan Sawayu, Ruwan Tofa, Mai Awaki, and Zama Lafiya, all under Mutunji district of Dansadau Emirate Council.

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Credible sources in the community, on Tuesday, told PRNigeria that 10 soldiers paid the supreme price while their colleagues killed scores of terrorists.

“At least we counted 213 bodies of the terrorists and their collaborators. Some civilians too were killed in what the military called ‘collateral damage’ when fleeing bandits hid in the communities.

“The attack on troops occurred when the troops with the support of local vigilantes were navigating the terrains for counter-attacks,” a source disclosed.

Reacting to the incident, Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, expressed his sympathy to the families of the victims.

Matawalle, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Public Enlightenment, Media and Communications, Zailani Bappa, said: “I wish to, on behalf of myself, my family, the state government, and the entire good people of Zamfara State, extend my sincere sympathy to those who were injured and the families of those who died as a result of this collateral damage.”

The Star