Military kills seven, arrests several others in assault on kidnappers, bandits

In continuation of the assault against kidnappers and armed bandits in the states within the North West zone, the military, yesterday, killed not less than seven of the bandits, arrested several others and set their camps on fire.

The troops, under the ambit of operations Sharan Daji and Harbin Kunama III have continued to unleash their firepower against the kidnappers and bandits that had unleashed violence on residents of Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara and Katsina States.

A statement by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Major Clement Abiade, said that in continuation with the ongoing Operations Sharan Daji and Harbin Kunama III, “troops have recorded another significant achievement” that has led to a major uprooting of the criminal elements.

He said, “the troops of Operations Sharan Daji and Habin Kunama III in conjunction with the Nigerian Army Deep Blue Special Forces, the Nigerian Air Force Component and Vigilantes have neutralised seven armed bandits”, adding that “the gallant troops killed the bandits in a fierce encounter that ensued while on a clearance operation in Aljumana Fulani and Ketere villages in Zamfara State.”

Abiade added that, “the bandits who were armed with sophisticated, automatic weapons were overpowered by the superior fire power of the troops, thereby compelling the survivors among them to flee with gunshot wounds, abandoning their camp and logistics, which were destroyed by the troops.”

“During the encounter, troops also recovered 934 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition, one AK 47 rifle, one steel chain used by bandits to restrain kidnapped victims and seven motorcycles,” he said.

Abiade also disclosed that “in a separate sting operation, troops on patrol to Kara market in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State have arrested a suspected informant who stealthily provides information to armed bandits in the general area,” pointing out that the arrest has further led to the bursting of three other suspected informants who are currently undergoing investigations with the relevant prosecuting security agencies.

He said that one soldier paid the supreme sacrifice during the operation while six others and a vigilante who sustained various degrees of injuries had been evacuated for medical attention.

“The Force Commander (FC), Maj-Gen. Hakeem Oladapo Otiki, commiserates with the family and relations of the late soldier. His sacrifice will not be in vain. He reiterated the resolve of troops to tackle the menace of armed banditry and other forms of criminality in Zamfara and the contiguous states of Kebbi, Katsina and Sokoto. The FC urged the troops to remain resilient in combating the bandits until they are decisively decimated.”