Troops kill 3 bandits, rescue 23 kidnap victims in Katsina, Zamfara

The Troops of Operation Sahel Sanity have neutralised three bandits and rescued 23 kidnap victims in Katsina and Zamfara states.

The Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Benard Onyeuko, who disclosed this on Sunday, added that many others escaped with gunshot wounds in a fight at Dankar, Kandawa, Yau yau, Hayin Yau yau, Bugaje, Zandam, Kwari Mai Zurfi, Yar Gamji, Bukuru and Jibiyawa in Batsari and Jibiya LGAs of Katsina State.

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“Similarly, in a covert operation based on credible intelligence, 4 suspected bandits were arrested at Kankara and Tudu village of Kankara LGA of Katsina State including a suspected bandit leader named Mujitafa Shehu.

“A suspected drug peddler, Mubarak Shehu, was arrested at Jengebe Check Point in Wanki District of Gusau LGA with 20 packets of Pentazocine injection concealed in his motorcycle while on transit to deliver items at Kungurmi village. Investigation revealed that the drug baron is the supplier of hard drugs to bandits in the forest.

“While responding to a distress call, the troops deployed at Forward Operation Base Magami, have rescued 23 kidnap victims from fleeing bandits who abandoned the captives as the unrelenting troops were closing in on their hideout along Zauni-Jengebe road in Gusau LGA of Zamfara State.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were kidnapped while on transit to Magami Market from Gusau in a passenger bus,” he said, adding that all the rescued victims were reunited with their families while efforts are intensified to track the criminal gang members, he said.