Troops kill 55 bandits, rescue 760 from Zamfara forest

Soldiers have  killed no fewer than 55 bandits  in Zamfara and neighbouring states, the military  confirmed in a statement  on Tuesday.

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.”

THEN PUNCH