Army kills 35 bandits, arrests 18 others in Zamfara

THE Nigerian Army declared on Friday that it was working hard not to allow the ongoing banditry in Zamfara State to spread to Kebbi, Katsina and Sokoto states.

A statement from the Army public relations in Sokoto signed by Major Clement Abiade, which contained the resolve of the Army, also disclosed that soldiers killed 35 bandits and arrested 18 others in recent days.

It also announced the arrest of a notorious kidnapper, Muhammad Iso, who was nabbed in Niger Republic, in collaboration with that country’s security forces.

Those arrested, the Army said, included bandits, informants, kidnappers and their logistics suppliers.

The Army added that in the course of its operations inside forests that cut across Zamfara communities, it rescued 40 abductees consisting men, women and children.

“The intensified and redoubled efforts in the conduct of the military activities are being complemented by Ex Harbin Kunama III, which commenced on 1 April, 2019.

“These operations have achieved tremendous successes leading to the recovery of weapons, ammunition and rustled animals in various parts of OPSD AOR. During the period, the Air Component of Operation Sharan Daji carried out several air strikes around Kagara, Gando, Fankama, Fete and Dumburum forests.

“These forests provide sanctuaries and hideouts where kidnapped victims are often hidden. Please note that air strikes are precision activities designed to avoid collateral damage.

“Troops of Operation Sharan Daji also recovered four AK47 rifles, two locally made pump action rifles, 17 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition and 20 cartridges.

“Additionally, 10 motorcycles, 94 rustled animals, assorted charms and two handsets were recovered during the period under review.

“The Force Commander, Major-General Hakeem Oladapo Otiki and men of Operation Sharan Daji remain resolute on the mandate of tackling the menace of armed banditry and other forms of criminal activities in Zamfara.

“OPSD is also determined to ensure that bandits do not establish sanctuaries in the contiguous states of Kebbi, Katsina and Sokoto,” the statement added.