Troops rescue 760, kill 55 bandits, arrest 24, recover ammunitions in Zamfara

The troops of operation Sharan Daji of Nigerian Army has killed not less than 55 bandits in continuation with operations designed to decimate banditry activities in Zamfara and other contiguous States.

The troops also arrested not less than 24 suspected bandits informants, rustlers, kidnappers, logistics suppliers were also apprehended during the period of the Operations.

This was contained in a statement signed by acting force information officer, Major Clement Abiade and released to the Journalists in Sokoto.

According to him, “The intensity and redoubled efforts in the conduct of these military activities in the past week has achieved tremendous successes leading to the recovery of weapons, ammunition and rustled cattles.

“The troops also had several encounters with bandits during the period in focus and neutralized 55 bandits.  A total of 24 suspected bandits informants, rustlers, kidnappers and logistics suppliers were arrested during the period in focus.

” The suspects have been handed over to Nigerian Police for investigation and possible prosecution.

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“Similarly, the Air Component of operation SHARAN DAJI carried out several Air strikes around Kagara, Gando, Fankama, Fete and Dumburum Forests. Subsequent operations in the Forests led to the rescue of 760 abductees. The abductees consisted of men, women and children from communities in Zamfara State.

” Troops of Operation SHARAN DAJI recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 1 Rocket Propelled Gun Tube, 12 Dane guns, 27 AK47 Magazines, 168 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunitions, 1 Pump action gun, 47 Motorcycles, a Golf wagon  car, 61 rustled cattle’s, 3 pounds of marijuana, nicotine and Tramadol during the period under review”.

” It is pertinent to state here that the troops sustained operation led to the return of over 1000 IDPs from Maru to BINI village on 17     February 2019. The Emir of Maru Alhaji Abubakar Chika Banagan Maru and the Chairman Maru LGA Alhaji Salisu Isah Dangulbi were present at the Maru LGA headquarters departure venue”.

Meanwhile, the troops also suffer casualty as  One officer, 2 soldiers and members of vigilantes paid the supreme prize during the encounter with bandits in Kagara forest.

The statement further revealed that the last one week has been a very traumatic one for the people of Zamfara especially in Shinkafi, Anka and Zurmi where bandits carried out coordinated attacks that led the death of civilians.

The Force Commander, however, commiserates with the families of the fallen heroes and all those who lost their lives, while prays that their sacrifices and quest for peace in Zamfara State will not be in vain.

He warned that the men of Operation SHARAN DAJI remain resolute to the mandate of tackling the menace of armed banditry in Zamfara State.