Army kill 38 bandits, arrest 93 insurgent logistics suppliers, recovers arms in Katsina, Zamfara

The troops of Operation Sahel Sanity, a component of the Nigerian Army says it has intensified operational activities in the theatre of operation killing over 38 suspected bandits, injuring dozens of them and recovering ammunitions in Katsina and Zamfara States.

According to the Army, “this has led to the degradation of the bandits and their activities to the barest minimum as indicative by the successes recorded.

The gains they say is gradually bringing stability and normalcy back to the zone as evident by the massive resumption of farming and socio-economic activities in the northwest zone.

This is as revealed by the Acting Director, Defense media operations, Brigadier Bernard Onyeuko at the Special Army Super Camp 4 in Faskari, Katsina state.

“It is important to note that the tremendous successes achieved since the commencement of the operation could not have been possible without the sacrifice, commitment and gallantry exhibited by the professionally and responsive soldiers of the Nigerian Army”

“Some of the soldiers have paid the supreme price in the course of their professional calling. The troops of Operation Sahel Sanity within some period now carried out a series of clearance operations, ambushes, day and night patrols denying bandits and other criminal elements any respite”

“Also numerous farm and highway patrols were carried out within Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi and Zamfara States thus boosting the confidence of the locals as well as commuters in carrying out their daily activities without hindrance”

Onyeuko explained that the operations most importantly led to the rescue of kidnapped victims, neutralization of bandits, the arrest of several bandits informants and collaborators, recovery and return of rustled cattle to their bonafide owners.

“Furthermore, there were recoveries of a large cache of arms and ammunition as well as other dangerous weapons. Similarly, numerous captured bandits motorcycles and bandits hideouts were destroyed by the gallant troops”

“Equally, some bandits logistics network have been smashed leading to the arrest of some of the syndicate members within the period”

The troops’ spokesman stressed that in all the operations conducted between on 25th October 2020, 38 armed bandits were neutralized while 93 suspected bandits logistics suppliers and collaborators were arrested.

”Relatedly, 30 Dane guns, 941 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition and five live cartridges were captured during various encounters with troops.

“Also, a total of 131 cows, 154 sheep/rams and 1 camel were recovered. In all the search and rescue operations carried out, 108 kidnapped victims were rescued, 90 bandits informants and collaborators, three rustled cattle marketers and 12 bandits logistics suppliers were arrested.

“Also, a total of 10 bandit’s camps and their logistics bases were destroyed by troops of Operation Sahel Sanity. Relatedly 47 bandits attacks and 31 kidnap incidents were foiled by the troops”

He said that the troops of Operation Sahel Sanity have continued to dominate all the hitherto volatile areas with confidence building patrols, ambushes and clearance operations to deny the bandits and other criminal elements freedom of action.

“The people of the North-West zone are also appreciated for their continued cooperation in providing credible information for the success of the operation. They are also encouraged to continue to avail the troops with actionable information that would aid the desired goal of the operation”

Onyeuko said they are further reassured of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to restore total peace in the zone and indeed the entire country.

“For the press family both within and beyond the zone, your patriotic and professional zeal towards this noble course is highly commendable and appreciated”