Troops of Operation Sharan Daji (OPSD) conducting operations into enclaves in Zamfara and Katsina states have killed 21 bandits and captured 17 others alive.
The Acting Force Information Officer of Operation Sharan Daji, Major Clement Abiade, disclosed while giving update on troops’ activities between January 22 – 29, 2019.
He said though 11 civilians and 1 vigilante member were killed by the bandits during the operation, the troops also destroyed some of the bandits’ camps and rescued 89 kidnapped victims held in some of the camps.
He added that two bandits’ informants Musa Amadu and Auwalu Mutairu were arrested at Danfumi village in Birnin Magaji adding that they were currently assisting troops with intelligence.
“On 22 January 2019, troops on clearance operation in Gando Forest came into contact with a large gang of bandits armed with sophisticated firearms and Rocket Propelled Grenades leading to fierce gun battles which lasted several hours. The bandits were forced to abandon their camps due to superior firepower during these encounters,” he stated.
Abiade added: “Troops also made contact with bandits operating in Shinkafi, Birnin Magaji and some isolated villages in Maru LGA of Zamfara state.
“Furthermore, troops of OPSD operating in Katsina state made contact with bandits at different locations around Safana, Runka, Kukan Sama between 25 – 28 January 2019.”
Items recovered from the bandits over the period, according to him, include one Single Barrel gun, two locally made pistols,20 Cartridges of Double barrel bullets,60 Rounds of 7.62mm special, one AK 47 Magazine containing 18 rounds of 7.62mm special, two Dane Guns, four motorcycles and large quantity of Indian hemp and illicit Drugs.
According to him, out of 89 freed kidnapped victims, 55 of them were held captives in Bukkuyum LGA in Zamfara State.
“The freed captives who were mostly from local communities in Zamfara state were debriefed and reunited with their families,” he stated.
He explained that six persons were kidnapped at Asoula village in Tsafe LGA and not in Birnin Magaji as reported by some media houses.
“The Force Commander, Operation SHARAN DAJI, commiserates with families of the vigilante that lost his life and assures that his sacrifice will not be in vain.
“He reaffirms the commitment of OPSD to rid Zamfara State of all forms of banditry and criminality in line with its mandate, “the spokesman said.
He urged the general public to cooperate with troops and furnish security agencies with useful and timely information about bandit’s activities within their domain.
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