Three bandits killed, 51 rescued in Katsina, Zamfara – Army

Troops of Operation Sahel Sanity in collaboration with their colleagues in the 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Katsina, and that of Sector 9, Operation Hadarin Daji, have killed three suspected bandits and arrested four others, including one Mujitafa Shehu, suspected to be their leader.

The bandits were killed when the troops stormed their camps located in Batsari and Jibiya local government areas of Katsina State in operations between October 4 and 9.

Shehu and others were said to have been arrested at Kankara and Tudu villages in Kankara LGA.

One Mubarak Shehu, alleged to be a member of the syndicate supplying hard drugs to bandits was also arrested at Jengebe checkpoint in Wanki district.

The acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brig. Gen. Bernard Onyeuko, in a statement on Sunday, added that the troops rescued 26 victims, recovered weapons and destroyed many bandits camps in Katsina and Zamfara states during the perations.

The statement read in parts, “Between October 4 and 9, 2020, combined troops of Operation Sahel Sanity, elements of 17 Brigade and Sector 9 Operation Hadarin Daji conducted a combined aggressive clearance operation to identify bandits’ enclaves at Dankar, Kandawa, Yau yau, Hayin Yau yau, Bugaje, Zandam, Kwari Mai Zurfi, Yar Gamji, Bukuru and Jibiyawa in Batsari and Jibiya LGAs of Katsina State, leading to the neutralisation of three bandits, while many others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.

“In the aftermath of the encounter, the gallant troops recover one AK-47 magazine loaded with 25 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and one Dane gun belonging to the fleeing bandits.

“In another development, on 5 October 2020, troops deployed in Forward Operation Base Bena in Wasagu-Danko LGA of Kebbi State, in conjunction with troops of 223 Battalion deployed at Wasagu and Unashi, rescued two kidnapped victims during a clearance operation to identify bandits’ hideout at Dan Umaru, Rancho and Dan Duniya villages. Many of the bandits managed to escape with various degrees of gunshot wounds. Rescued victims have since been reunited with their families amid jubilation by locals.

“Also, on the same day, following a tip-off, troops of Forward Operation Base Jengebe arrested a suspected drug peddler, one Mubarak Shehu at Jengebe checkpoint in Wanki District of Gusau LGA. Suspect was caught with 20 packets of Pentazocine injection concealed in his motorcycle while on transit to deliver item at Kungurmi village of Bungudu LGA. Preliminary investigation revealed the drug baron is a member of the cartel that supplies hard drugs to bandits in the forest.”