Troops Kill Bandits, Rescue kidnapped victims in Northwest Nigeria

 

By Lazarus Zakaa, Abuja.

The Military says its troops of Operation SAHEL SANITY, have eliminated fourBandits, Rescue kidnapped victims, while Over 200 rustled cattle were also Recovered in Kurfi LGA of Katsina and Kauran Namoda in Zamfara States.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brig. Gen. Bernard Onyeuko, in Abuja said, the operations  was achieved by the continues strikes by the Armed Forces of Nigeria quest to rid the entire North West zone of banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping and other sundry criminalities.

Gen. Onyeuko said that, on 25 September 2020, troops of Operation SAHEL SANITY responded to a distress call on activities of some cattle rustlers in Kurfi LGA of Katsina State.

He said, the Troops’ timely intervention led to the smashing of the criminal syndicate with attendant casualty on the criminals while 43 cows, 6 goats and 8 sheep as well as 2 Dane guns were recovered from the fleeing rustlers. Recovered animals have been handed over to their rightful owners.

He also said same day, on 25 September, 2020, troops deployed in Kauran Namoda, Zamfara State acting on credible intelligence successfully intercepted a herd of suspected rustled cattle while the suspects fled into the bush abandoning the animals.

He revealed that a total of 30 cows were recovered and handed back to their owners while troops continue with aggressive day and night patrols of the general area to deny criminal elements freedom of action.

Acting Director also said that, on 26 September 2020, troops deployed at Nahuta in Batsari LGA of Katsina State arrested one Umar Bello in possession of 2 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition during a stop and search operation.

“Additionally, on 27 September 2020, troops on a snap road block arrested one Ahmadu Rufai suspected to be a bandits logistics supplier. Items recovered from him include one dagger, charms, one bag of groundnut mixed with okro and 4 bags of millet believe to be on transit to a bandits hideout.

“In a related development, on 28 September 2020, troops deployed at Forward Operation Base Moriki rescued a kidnapped victim named Ismaha who reportedly escaped from unknown bandit’s camp due to intensity of troops operation in the area. Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was kidnapped about 3 weeks ago while travelling from Sabon Pegi to Kucheri in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State.

“Same day on 28 September 2020, troops deployed at Forward Operation Base Dan Ali rescued a female kidnap victim one Rasila (15 years) who was abducted in a farm at Tashar Biri village. Victim has been reunited with her family”. He said.

The statement says, on 29 September 2020, troops while on patrol arrested a suspected drug peddler one Yusufa Mai Unguwar Ahaska from Dorayi in Unguwar Doka village in Faskari LGA.

Items recovered according to statement from suspect include substance suspected to be hard drugs.

He added that during preliminary investigation, suspect confessed to selling hard drugs to bandit leaders such as Leko and others.

He also said, on 29 September 2020, in reaction to intelligent report on movement of stolen animals using trailers to unknown destination, troops swiftly established snap check point and intercepted 2 trucks loaded with 55 cows and 10 sheep.

“The arrested drivers and recovered animals have been handed over to appropriate security agencies for further actions”. He said.

Gen. Onyeuko also said, on 1 October 2020, troops while on routine patrol along Faskari – Yankara road arrested a suspected bandit informant named Idris Yahaya spying on troop’s activities.

According to Onyeuko ” on same day troops deployed at Maigora arrested one suspected bandit collaborator called Buhari Adamu at Machika in Dandume LGA of Katsina State.

“During preliminary interrogation, suspect confessed to have once taken ransom fee to bandits in Madachi Forest. Suspects are in custody undergoing further interrogation”.

He also said on 2 October 2020, gallant troops of Operation SAHEL SANITY deployed at Sabon Layi rescued 4 kidnapped victims from Giruwa village of Dandume LGA of Katsina State following Artillery bombardments on suspected bandits’ location at Unguwan-Doka village which resulted in neutralizing 4 of the bandits while others escaped into the forest.

He said preliminary investigation revealed that the victims have been in captivity for 12 days. All rescued victims have been re united with their families amidst cheers and praises.

“Also, on 3 October 2020, the vigilant troops of Operation SAHEL SANITY while conducting a Stop and Search operation arrested 3 suspected kidnappers in Musawa LGA, Katsina State. Items recovered from the suspects include one locally made gun, 3 mobile phones and one motorcycle”. Onyeuko added.

While commending troops for the successes and their commitment and not to rest on their oars.

He assured the people of the North-West of troops commitment to the safety of lives and property within the zone.
encouraging them to continue to avail the troops with information thquestll assist them in the operation.