…stability, normalcy gradually returning.
…massive return of farming, social economic activities
…foil 47 bandit attacks,31 kidnapped incidents.
By Victor Akaa, Abuja.
The Defence Headquarters says about 38 armed bandits were killed ,108 kidnapped victims,90 bandits informants ,12 logistic suppliers were arrested, while 10 camps destroyed as about 47 bandits attacks and 31 kidnapped incidents were foiled including the recovery of cache of firearms and rustled cow by the troops of Operation Sahel Sanity from 4 September to 25 October, 2020.
The Operation by the troops has degraded bandits activities paving the way for an increased massive farming and social economic activities in the zone as stability and normalcy gradually returns in the zone.
This was confirmed by the Acting Director, Defence Media Operations,DHQ Brig. Gen. Bernard Onyeuko in a statement relayed to Enugu Reporters on Monday.
Gen. Onyeuko while giving the updates on the operational activities of the troops of Operation Sahel Sanity from 4 September to 25 October, 2020 reaffirmed that the activities of bandits were degraded by the troops in the zone due to the milestone achievements recorded.
His statement read thus…
“This has led to the degradation of the bandits and their activities to the barest minimum as indicative by the successes recorded.
“These gains are gradually bringing stability and normalcy back to the zone as evident by the massive resumption of farming and socio-economic activities.
“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 whom have paid the supreme price in the course of their professional calling.
“The gallant troops of Operation Sahel Sanity within this period carried out 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.
“These operations have most importantly led to the rescue of kidnapped victims, neutralization of bandits, arrest of several bandits informants and collaborators, recovery and return of rustled cattle to their bona-fide owners.
“Furthermore, there were recoveries of large cache of arms and ammunitions as well as other dangerous weapons.
“Similarly, numerous captured bandits motorcycles and Bandits hideouts were destroyed by the gallant troops.
“Equally, a number of bandits logistics network have been smashed leading to the arrest of some of the syndicate members within the period.
”So far, in all the operations conducted between 4 September -25 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 5 live cartridges were captured during various encounters with troops.”
According to him,total of 131 cows, 154 sheep/rams and 1 camel were recovered.
He noted that in all the search and rescue operations carried out, 108 kidnapped victims were rescued, 90 bandits informants and collaborators, 3 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.
“The gallant 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.”
