Troops neutralise bandits, rescue kidnap victims in Katsina communities

In its efforts towards ridding the North-West zone of banditry and other criminality, troops of Operation Sahel Sanity have neutralized bandits, rescued several kidnapped victims and arrested suspected arm bandits and their collaborators.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Benard Onyeuko, issued to pressmen on Monday.

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“On 24 August 2020, following a distress call from locals , troops arrested a suspected bandit named Lawali Dairu, at Yauni village in Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State. The suspect invaded the village alongside one Ila Musa to kidnap a woman but met strong resistance from local vigilante group in the area.

However, his accomplice escaped before troops arrived the village.

During investigation, the suspect confessed being an associate of a bandit leader named Malam Yau hiding in Tsafe forest. Concerted effort to arrest his cohorts is ongoing,” the statement read in part.

In another development, on 25 August 2020, troops at Faskari pursued bandits in Daudawa village and rescued two kidnapped victims and arrested one of the bandit while others escaped.

Brigadier Onyeuko called on residents of the areas affected by the activities of bandits and other criminals to always assist the troops by providing credible information that could lead to more success in the fight.