Kaduna State Government has dismissed a claim from groups in Kaura Local Government that there are no fewer than 600 bandits hiding around Zangang Hills.
In a statement signed by the State Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, the state government said it found no evidence of human activity on or around the hills.
“A few days ago, some groups in Kaura Local Government alleged, in a widely publicised press statement, the presence of over 600 armed bandits at Zangang Hills
“The Kaduna State Government reached out to the security agencies for immediate action on the matter.
“Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), the military units deployed by Defence Headquarters in response to the security challenges in Plateau, Bauchi and parts of Kaduna State, and a detachment of the Special Forces of the Nigerian Army carried out extensive fighting patrols to the said Zangang Hill on 21st June 2020.
“The fighting patrol stretched up to the Kagoro Hills and other suspected hideouts. Troops did not encounter any group of armed bandits throughout the extensive fighting patrols.
“Furthermore, not a single bandit camp was found in the area and there is also no evidence of human activity in and around the hills as the reader will glean in the pictures attached to this press statement.
The Kaduna State Government expressed words of commendation to the efforts of security operatives who tasked to the hills to fish out the bandits, but were found nowhere to be seen.
The government also advised the citizens to avoid taking law into their hands and resorting to jungle justice instead of reporting challenges to the security operatives.
“The Government wishes to reiterates its appeal to aggrieved communities, individuals and groups to always have recourse to the law so as to avoid killings and counter killings that deepen the vicious cycles of reprisals.
“Contrary to the misreading of the security challenges, what stands out as a major impediment to peace has been the resort to self help and jungle justice, rather than complying with the rule of law.
Mr. Aruwan gave special numbers to be contacted whenever there is security challenges or if any credible information or clue on any criminal activity.
“Citizens with credible information on any criminal activity, including banditry, are encouraged to confide their suspicions to security agencies and government for prompt action.
“The Security Operations Room, a 24-hour security information centre is available to be receiving details discreetly on 09034000060, 08170189999 and Internal.Security@kdsg.gov.ng for immediate action.
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