Troops Kill 100 Bandits, Nabs 148 In North-West

The Nigerian Army on Saturday disclosed that troops of its Operation Sahel Sanity based in the Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State killed 100 bandits in the last two months since it commenced operation in the North-West zone of the country.

The troops were also said to have arrested 148 suspected bandits, 315 illegal miners, 32 bandits’ logistics suppliers, as well as 13 cattle rustlers and marketers during the period under review.

The Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brig. General Benard Onyeuko, made the disclosure at a press conference in Faskari on Saturday.

According to him, the troops also rescued 107 kidnapped victims; 3,984 cows; 1,627 sheep and rams as well as three camels during the period under review.

Onyeuko said, “So far, in all the operations conducted, 100 armed bandits were neutralised, a total of 3,984 cows, 1,627 sheep/rams and 3 Camels recovered, 148 suspected bandits and 315 illegal armed miners were arrested.

“Furthermore, a large cache of arms and ammunition were recovered which include 43 AK47 Rifles, 1 GPMG and 100 Dane guns, 3,261 rounds of 7.62mm (special), and 151 live cartridges of ammunition.

“In all the search and rescue operations carried out, 107 kidnapped victims were rescued, 20 bandits informants and collaborators, 6 arms suppliers, 13 rustled cattle marketers and 32 bandits’ logistics suppliers were arrested.”

“The people of the North-West zone of the country are also appreciated for their cooperation in providing credible information for the success of the operations. They are also encouraged to continue to avail the troops with actionable information that would aid the desired goal of the operation. They are further reassured of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to restore total peace in the zone and indeed the whole country,” the statement concluded.