53 Cows Recovered as Troops Nab 14 Bandits in N/West
Troops of Operation Sahel Sanity have arrested no fewer than 14 bandits in Sokoto, Zamfara and Katsina States, while also recovering 53 cows in the process from the daredevil criminals.
Brig. Gen. Bernard Onyeuko, Acting Director of the Defence Media Operations (DMO), made this known in statement on ongoing military operations in the North West.
According to him, on 18 July 2020, troops deployed at Gundumi in Isah LGA of Sokoto State, arrested two suspected bandits namely, Marti Abdullahi and Abdullahi Muazu, following reliable information of their involvement in acts of banditry.
Brig. Gen. Bernard, added that, “Also, same day on 18 July 20 while on clearance patrol at Teke Mai Filoti village in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State, troops arrested two notorious bandits namely, Gabbe Muhammadu and Muhammad Bello, known for involvement in kidnapping and robbery activities.”
He further said: “Similarly, on 18 July 2020, troops deployed at Nahuta village in Batsari LGA of Katsina State, arrested two bandits namely, Mohammed Lawal and Useni Abubakar, who were identified by locals to have carried out several attacks in Nahuta village at various times.
“In another development, the gallant troops also arrested two suspected bandits at Yar Tasha village. While in custody, one of the suspects’ phone line received a call from other suspected bandits, urging him to quickly meet up with them for an impending attack.”
The DMO Acting Director, also disclosed that, “On 19 July 2020, troops deployed at Forward Operating Base Wanke, swiftly responded to a distress call on bandits rustling activities in the area.”
However, he said, the bandits fled on information that troops were closing in on them.
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He noted that the resilient troops, nevertheless, exploited and recovered 20 cows rustled by the bandits in the process.
“Furthermore, troops deployed at Funtua responded to a distress call on armed bandits activities in Kankara LGA, went in pursuit of the fleeing bandits and recovered eight cows which were subsequently handed over to the owners.
“Similarly, troops responded to a distress call at Unguwar Tabo where armed bandits invaded and kidnapped one Nuhu Gambo. The victim escaped as the bandits abandoned him and fled due to the troops’ unabating pursuit.
“Also, on 22 July 2020, troops of Forward Operating Base Bingi, acting on credible information of armed bandits activities around Ragwada Forest under Maru LGA, stormed a bandits hideout in the area. Bandits fled the hideout abandoning three motorcycles, which were recovered by the troops,” Brig. Gen. Onyeuko said.
He went on: “Additionally, on 22 July 2020, responding to a distress call from locals at Zauni village in Magami district of Gusau LGA of Zamfara State, on the invasion by bandits in the town and rustling of cows, troops swiftly mobilised to the area and went in pursuit of the bandits. In the ensuing encounter the bandits fled in disarray, troops recovered 25 cows which had been handed over to the owners.
“Similarly, on 22 July 2020, troops on clearance patrol at Mara Runka, came in contact with bandits who opened fire on them from afar and the valiant troops responded, forcing the bandits to flee with possible gunshot wounds, abandoning five motorcycles. Nevertheless the resilient troops pursued and arrested two of the fleeing bandits.
“Items recovered from them include one black bag containing charms and the sum of one thousand six hundred and fifty Naira (N1,650.00) only. Troops of Operation Sahel Sanity are presently dominating the general area with aggressive patrols and ambushes paving way for smooth conduct of agricultural and economic activities by the locals.”
