ZAMFARA: Soldiers kill 55 bandits, rescue 760 hostages

Soldiers fighting marauding bandits in Zamfara State have killed no fewer than 55 bandits forests in the state, a statement by the military on Tuesday says.

According to the statement, troops also arrested suspected bandits, rustlers and  kidnappers, while about 760 persons abducted from their homes were rescued.

This was disclosed in a statement by the acting Force Information Officer, Major Clement Abiade,  adding that the troops also recovered four AK47 rifles, one  rocket-propelled gun tube, 12 dane guns, 27 AK47 magazines, 168 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, one  pump-action shotgun, 47 motorcycles, one  Volkswagen Golf, 61 rustled cattle, marijuana, nicotine and Tramadol.

The statement also said three soldiers including an officer, as well as some  vigilantes were killed  during a gunfight  with bandits at Kagara Forest in Zamfara.

Read also: 61-year-old remanded in prison custody for armed robbery

The  statement reads in part: “The troops also had several encounters with bandits during the period in focus and neutralised 55 of them.  A total of 24 suspected bandits’ informants, rustlers, kidnappers and logistics suppliers were arrested during the period in focus.

“The suspects have been handed over to the  police for investigations.
“Similarly, the Air Component of Operation Sharan Daji carried out several airstrikes around Kagara, Gando, Fankama, Fete and Dumburum forests. Subsequent operations in the forests led to the rescue of 760 abductees. The abductees consist of men, women and children from communities in Zamfara State.

“The  troops’ sustained operation led to the return of over 1,000 IDPs from Maru to Birni village on  February  17, 2019.”

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