Troops have arrested 25 bandits in the forests of Sokoto and Zamfara States, the Nigerian Army announced on Saturday.
Its spokesman, Col Sagir Musa, said in a statement that arms and ammunitions were recovered from them.
He said: “Following reinvigorated operational strategies and robust anti banditry operations injected into the activities of Operation HARBIN KUNAMA III, troops have in renewed efforts arrested several gangs of bandits terrorising Isa, Rabbah and Burkusuma communities around Sububu Forest in Sokoto State as well as in Batsari, Safana and Kankara in Dumburum Forest of Katsina state.
“Similarly, troops deployed in Super Camp covering Bena, Jega, Danko and Wasagu encountered and annihilated unconfirmed number of bandits and destroyed five ( 5) bandits’ camps in Gando Forest of Kebbi State.” Col. Musa quoted the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division, Maj. Gen Hakeem Otiki, as saying that five camps and 25 motorcycles were destroyed during the operation. He said the operation which covers Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states witnessed series of successful simultaneous ground operations activities involving raids, ambushes, cordon and search with the occasional support of the Air Task Force component which the troops are poised to sustain.
The GOC further stated that items recovered during the operation include: 8 x AK 47 rifles, 2 x General Purpose Machine Guns, 2 x G3 rifles and 3 x dane guns. Others are 9 x AK 47 magazine and 48 x rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. According to him, “The operation is to facilitate the return of refugees and Internally Displaced Persons back to their homes, creating enabling environment for economic activities to strive and instill confidence in the locals to remain in their villages and continue their normal lives unmolested.
He assured the residents of the Nigerian Army readiness to provide adequate security and improve synergy and collaboration with other security agencies within 8 Division Area of responsibility with the aim of combating banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping and other security challenges.
He used the opportunity to commend the gallant officers and soldiers of the Division for their resilience and patriotism in the ongoing operation even as he commended members of various vigilante groups and local hunters for their supportive roles to troops.
