Army kills 55 bandits, rescue 760 from Zamfara forest

Officers of the Nigeria army have reportedly killed no fewer than 55 bandits in Zamfara and neighbouring states.

Troops also arrested suspected bandits, rustlers and kidnappers, while rescuing 760 persons abducted from their homes and kept in the forest.

A statement by the acting Force Information Officer, Major Clement Abiade, also said troops recovered four AK47 rifles, one rocket-propelled gun tube, 12 dane guns, 27 AK47 magazines, 168 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, one pump-action shotgun, 47 motorcycles, one Volkswagen Golf, 61 rustled cattle, marijuana, nicotine and Tramadol.

According to the statement, three soldiers including an officer, as well as some vigilantes were killed during a gunfight with bandits at Kagara Forest in Zamfara.
The statement reads in part,
“The troops also had several encounters with bandits during the period in focus and neutralised 55 of them. A total of 24 suspected bandits’ informants, rustlers, kidnappers and logistics suppliers were arrested during the period in focus.

“The suspects have been handed over to the police for investigations.
“Similarly, the Air Component of Operation Sharan Daji carried out several airstrikes around Kagara, Gando, Fankama, Fete and Dumburum forests. Subsequent operations in the forests led to the rescue of 760 abductees. The abductees consist of men, women and children from communities in Zamfara State.”

It added, “The troops’ sustained operation led to the return of over 1,000 IDPs from Maru to Birni village on February 17, 2019.”

(Credit: PUNCH)