Troops kill 9, nab 5 badits in Zamfara, Katsina

IN line with the directives of Nigerian Army Chief, the continuation of the simultaneous clearance Operation designed to identify and destroy bandits Camps/Enclaves, the troops of operation Sharan Daji in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilantes conducted offensive on bandits hideouts in Zamfara and Katsina States.

According to a statement signed by the force acting public relations officer, Major Clement Abiade, “The troops under the period in focus conducted clearance Operation to Shinkafi, Birnin Magaji, Sunke forest in Zamfara State and Safana, Runka, Kunkan Sama in Katsina State. While in Sunke forest, the troops came in contact with a large gang of bandits armed with sophisticated firearms, nine of them were killed while five were arrested during the Operations.

“The bandits were forced to abandon their camps and some escaped with gunshot wounds due to superior firepower, while all their camps were set ablaze. Also, 2 persons who were kidnapped and held hostage in the camp were rescued”.

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Meanwhile, in a related development, 6 suspected bandits collaborators which include a Tanker driver were apprehended at Kwana Mayanchi for supplying petroleum product to bandits at Gando forest.

“Some of the Items recovered from the suspects include a round of 7.62mm special ammunition, a motorcycle and Large quantity of illicit drugs. Others are 45 gallons of fuel, 7 drums of fuel, a Tanker vehicle and a water pumping machine.

“Similarly, 2 bandits accomplice, Yusuf Mohammed and AbubakarAhaji Dabo were arrested along Kwana Maji – Sunke forest with large quantities of illicit drugs. The suspects are in custody and would be handed over to the appropriate authority for investigation and possible prosecution.

“The Force Commander and men of operation Sharan Daji remain resolute to the mandate of tackling the menace of armed banditry in Zamfara State”.