By Victor Akaa, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters say, troops deployed at Forward Operation Base Bini have arrested 5 suspected bandits while displaying 17 cows and a goat for sale at Bingi market in Maru LGA of Zamfara State
According to DHQ, preliminary investigation revealed that the animals were earlier rustled from Gabiya village.
Report further added, the troops of Operation Sahel Sanity have on 14 July, 2020 arrested one bandit informant at Isa-Matete Junction in Isa LGA Area of Sokoto State, while the report confirms that the suspect is currently undergoing interrogation.
This was made known by the Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, DHQ, Brig Gen Benard Onyeuko to Enugu Reporters during the weekend.
Gen. Onyeuko said, both operations that led to the arrest of the 5 bandits and their informant were separately conducted at the heels of credible intelligent report made available to the troops.
He also stated that, troops deployed at Forward Operation Base Danjibga in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State has handed over 121 cows and 37 sheep recovered from rustlers to the committee for recovery of rustled animals for necessary action.
Onyeuko further noted that , troops of Defence Headquarters Special Operation Forces deployed at Batsari had a meeting engagement with some marauding armed bandits at Jigawar Mallamai in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State.
He said,4 bandits were neutralized, one AK 47 rifle and 21 motorcycles were recovered after the encounter.
“All recovered motorcycles were destroyed instantly.”
The statement further said, troops on 15 July, 2020, conducted clearance operation on suspected bandits hideouts at Garin Maza, Tamuske, and Garin Bagwari villages in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State.
“Troops made contact with the bandits and in the ensuing encounter, 3 bandits were neutralized and 6 motorcycles were recovered while the hideouts were destroyed.
“Also, on 16 July 2020 troops of Forward Operation Base Dangulbi conducted clearance patrol to Dan Kaka and Dan Kura villages in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State.
“The cowardly bandits fled and abandoned 3 motorcycles were recovered by the troops.” he stated.
All the clearance operations were done by Operation Sahel Sanity, a subsidiary of Operation Hadarin Daji in its bid to get rid of armed bandits and other sundry criminals in the North West.
However, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai has commended the troops for their gallantry, successes and their resilience. As he urged the teools not to rest on their oars.
