Troops Neutralize Bandits, Rescue Victims in Zamfara State

Troops have recovered ammunition from bandits in Zamfara State. The troops also rescued victims at Gidan Jaja in Zurmi while neutralising bandits.

The operation was confirmed in a statement by Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, Coordinator, Defence Media Operations.

The Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police and Nigeria Police Force supported the larger initiative to aid troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI, providing personnel and helicopter gunships.

Enenche said, “89 bandits were neutralized and an unconfirmed number escaped with gunshot wounds.

“Items recovered include: 19 AK 47 rifles, 1 PKT machine gun,9 magazines, 167 rounds of 7.62 (Special), one dane gun and one locally made pistol were recovered.

“Among the recovery of ammunition was 322 rustles cows, 77 motorcycles and nine cell phones. Five kidnap victims—consisting of three females and two males—were rescued as part of the operation. The bandit camps have been cleared,” he said.

According to Enenche, there were zero fatalities and loss of equipment on the side of the troops.

HumAngle had reported on April 22 that four soldiers and 21 bandits were killed in a previous operation by the military troops.

Zamfara has been a hotbed of banditry with criminals regularly sacking communities, stealing from and killing local populations.

Activities of bandits in Zamfara and other states in the Northwest opened another front in Nigeria’s fight against terror and other crimes in recent times.