ZAMFARA: Military deals ruthlessly with bandits, kills 35, rescues 40 hostages

The military said it has dealt with bandits terrorizing Zamfara State, killing 35 of them and freeing 40 people including children, women, and men, who were in the captivity of the criminal elements.

Acting Force Information Officer of Operation Sharan Daji (OPSD), Major Clement Abiade, who made this know in a statement on Friday, said the development came as the operations designed to tackle banditry in Zamfara and other contiguous states are dutifully carrying out their assignment.

According to him, a total of 18 suspected bandits’ informants, rustlers, kidnappers and logistics suppliers were also arrested as troops continue to dominate the Area of Operation with aggressive fighting patrols.

Major Abiade explained that the soldiers conduct day and night patrols deep into the forest areas to deny the bandits freedom of action while building the confidence of the local population.

He said the intensity and redoubled efforts in the conduct of military activities were complemented by Exercise Harbin Kunama III, which commenced on April 1.

The OPSD spokesman added that the operations have achieved tremendous successes, leading to the recovery of weapons, ammunition and rustled animals in various parts of their area of operation.

He further said that during the period, the Air Component of the operation carried out several air strikes around Kagara, Gando, Fankama, Fete and Dumburum Forests.

“The bandit hails from Naagwalam in Katsina State and confessed to being a member of a five-man syndicate responsible for kidnapping and highway robbery in Batsari and Jibiya axis.

“It is instructive to state that the suspects arrested have been handed over to Nigerian Police and other agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.

“It is significant to mention that subsequent operations in the forests led to the rescue of 40 abductees consisted of men, women and children from communities in Zamfara State.”

READ ALSO: NAF reacts to reports it bombarded innocent civilians instead of bandits, challenges anyone to produce evidence

Ammunition recovered by the troops according to him included four AK47 rifles, two locally-made pump action rifles, 17 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition and 20 cartridges.

“Additionally, 10 motorcycles, 94 rustled animals, and two handsets were recovered during the period under review,” he said.

This is coming as President Muhammadu Buhari had directed Nigerian security forces to deal ruthlessly with bandits in that part of the country.

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