The Troops of Operation Sahel Sanity fighting banditry, kidnapping and other nefarious crimes in the north west zone has foiled bandits attacks on some villages rescuing 22 kidnapped victims.
The troops also recovered many arms and ammunitions in Zamfara and Katsina states.
The Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brig. Gen. Bernard Onyeuko disclosed this in a statement in Gusau on Friday.
According to him, troops deployed at Moriki and Jangeru responded to a distress call and intercepted a planned armed bandits attack on Mai-Zuma village in Zurmi local government area of Zamfara on Sept. 13.
This followed a severe shoot out along Kayawa axis forcing the bandits to withdraw and abandon three motorcycles which were recovered by the gallant troops.
Onyeuko said on Sept. 12, troops deployed at Dandume in Katsina state rescued two young girls who were earlier kidnapped by bandits on 18th August, after a hot pursuit by the troops.
He added that the pursuit forced the bandits to abandon their victims escaping troops’ wrath by the skin of their teeth.
He also said that on 17th September, troops deployed in Faskari responding to a distress call rescued 8 kidnapped victims from suspected bandits at Fankama and Sabon Layi area in Faskari local government area of Katsina state.
“Troops on patrol at Chabas Chabas, swiftly rescued a Canter truck driver, 11 women and children, on their way to Batsari Market but blocked by suspected bandits along Shimfida – Gurbi road in the state,” he said.
The Acting Director also said troops deployed at Forward Operation Base Dansadau arrested a suspected bandit named Bello Ibrahim on a motorcycle on his way to Dandalla village.
The suspected bandit, who hailed from Dansadau Emirate of Maru local government area of Zamfara had one Pump Action rifle and 3 live cartridges carefully concealed in a bag.
“On 16th September, troops deployed in Faskari arrested a suspected bandits informant named Isah Indo while spying on troops location.
“Following credible information, troops deployed at Yankara arrested a suspected bandits collaborator named Idris Isah from Yampa village in Faskari LGA of Katsina, who is engaged in illicit activities with bandits,” he said.
Also on Sept. 16,, troops deployed at Magami arrested Yaya Rabiu at Magami checkpoint. The suspect was identified by troops to be a member of a notorious bandit gang.
According to him, the bandit recently attacked troops location at Ruwandawa-Kwankele village in Gusau Local Hovernment Area of Zamfara State.
Onyeuko assured people of the troop’s commitment to the safeguard of their lives and properties and encouraged them to continue to avail the troops with timely and credible information that will assist them.
