Nigerian army neutralises 220 armed bandits
The Nigerian Military said a total of 220 armed bandits have been neutralised while 73 AK 47 Rifles, one General Purpose Machine Gun and 194 Dane guns captured from criminals by the troops of Operation Sahel sanity during combat.
The Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Benard Onyeuku stated this while briefing journalists on the activities of the Operation since it began in July 2020.
Operation Sahel Sanity which has been combating the menace of armed banditry and other sundry crimes in the North West region was flagged off by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai on 6 July 2020 as part of activities marking the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2020 with the aim of reinforcing the existing Operation HADARIN DAJI to flush out bandits, cattle rustlers, Kidnappers and other sundry criminals within the region.
While briefing Journalist at the Information Center, Special Army Super Camp 4 Faskari, Katsina State on 6th January 2021, The Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Benard Onyeuku commended the troops for their gallantry, sacrifices, successes and professionalism exhibited within the period of the Operation which covers Sokoto, Katsina, Kebbi, Kaduna, Niger and Zamfara States.
He said a total of 642 kidnapped victims were rescued by the valiant troops including the rescued of 344 students of Government Science Secondary School Kankara as well as the foiling of 165 bandits’ attacks and 81 kidnap attempts.
“Equally, 5,032 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 568 rounds of 7.62 mm NATO ammunition and 156 live cartridges were also captured by the troops. Furthermore, 197 bandit’s camps and hideouts including the notorious Dangote Triangle and several bandits’ logistics bases were destroyed by troops of Operation SAHEL SANITY. Also, 335 suspected bandits, 326 illegal miners, 147 bandits’ informants and collaborators, 14 bandits arms suppliers, 24 rustled cattle marketers and 46 bandits logistics suppliers were arrested. Similarly, a total of 7,761 cows, 1,867 sheep/rams and 4 Camels were recovered and given back to the owners by troops within the period. It is also heartwarming to note that, a total of 642 kidnapped victims were rescued by the valiant troops, and this includes the rescued 344 students of Government Science Secondary School Kankara. Also within the period, the gallant troops successfully foiled 165 bandits’ attacks and 81 kidnap attempts” said Acting Director, Defence Media Operations.
General Bernard said the Military has also conducted a series of Civil Military Cooperation projects to support some host communities within the Operational area of Operation SAHEL SANITY including distribution of palliatives, renovations of medical facilities at Faskari and Kauran Namoda communities in Katsina and Zamfara States respectively.
“Conduct of Free Medical Outreaches and distribution of palliatives to locals and flood victims at Koko-Besse and Bagudo LGA of Kebbi State and payment of compensation to farmers whose farmlands were affected as a result of the ongoing operation and due to the expansion of the Special Army Super Camp IV Faskari in Katsina State”” said General Onyeuku.
General Onyeuku however acknowledged during the conduct of operations within the period under review 2 Officers and 4 brave soldiers paid the supreme price in the cause of defending the dignity of the nation.
The Acting Director Defence Media Operations while appreciating the people of the North West zone for their cooperation in providing timely information that lead to the success of the operations.
He also encouraged them to continue to avail the troops with information that would aid the operation adding that the Nigerian Army is committed to restoring total peace in the zone and the country at large.
Lateefah Ibrahim
