Troops of the Nigerian Army have destroyed hideouts of livestock rustlers and armed bandits in operations military said were tremendously successful.
The feat is in continuation with the clearance of all suspected livestock rustlers and armed bandits’ camps and hideouts in Nigeria, especially in the northwest region.
Troops of 223 Battalion, One Brigade of One Division on Friday raided suspected livestock rustlers and armed bandits’ camps at Tofa forest in Gusau Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State.
During the operation, an armed bandit was killed while few others sustained gunshot wounds.
The troops recovered a Dane gun, two locally made pistols and four motorcycles while the camps were destroyed in line with established procedure.
The Army spokesman, Colonel Sani Usman, revealed in a statement on Saturday that the troops also went on a long-range patrol along Dumburum-Batsari forest axis in Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State and part of Katsina State.
“They also discovered several cattle rustlers and armed bandits’ camps and destroyed them after an encounter with the bandits in the area.
“Here too, the troops killed a bandit while others fled on motorcycles and recovered three locally made pistols.
“Thereafter, the patrol team proceeded to Batsari in Katsina State and linked up with troops of 35 Battalion of Three Brigade, Nigerian Army and cleared several bandits’ camps within the area.
“The troops in conjunction with Nigeria Police also recovered a stolen Mercedes Benz car model E200 with registration number Lagos CW 504 LND from one Gambo Ibrahim of Kubacha town, that was stolen at New Karu.
“Similarly, troops at Anchau, Kaduna State, pursued a notorious armed bandit named Danladi Tasha Adamu along Kargi District (who) unfortunately fled into the bush.
“He, however, abandoned seven rustled cattle.
“The recovered livestock were handed over to Kubau Local Government Council officials,” Colonel Usman said.