Troops of Operation Sahel Sanity have in their recent operation killed four bandits and rescued 6 kidnapped victims across different locations in Katsina and Zamfara states.
In the process, two trucks loaded with 55 cattle and ten sheep have been intercepted along with over 40 rustled cattle which have been handed over to the rightful owners.
In a statement released on Tuesday by the Acting Director of the Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Benard Onyeuko stated that the achievements recorded as part of the troops quest to rid the entire North-West zone of banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping and other sundry criminalities.
In a related development, the troops have according to the statement arrested three suspected kidnappers, one suspected bandits’ informant and one of their logistics supplier as well as one of their drug peddler in addition to the recovery of two Dane guns.
“On 25 September 2020, troops of Operation SAHEL SANITY responded to a distress call on activities of some cattle rustlers in Kurfi LGA of Katsina State. Troops’ timely intervention led to the smashing of the criminal syndicate with an attendant casualty on the criminals while 43 cows, 6 goats and 8 sheep, as well as 2 Dane guns, were recovered from the fleeing rustlers. Recovered animals have been handed over to their rightful owners”.
“Same day, on 25 September 2020, troops deployed in Kauran Namoda, Zamfara State acting on credible intelligence successfully intercepted a herd of suspected rustled cattle while the suspects fled into the bush abandoning the animals.
A total of 30 cows were recovered and handed back to their owners while troops continue with aggressive day and night patrols of the general area to deny criminal elements freedom of action”.
” In another development, on 26 September 2020, troops deployed at Nahuta in Batsari LGA of Katsina State arrested one Umar Bello in possession of 2 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition during a stop and search operation”.
“Additionally, on 27 September 2020, troops on a snap roadblock arrested one Ahmadu Rufai suspected to be a bandit’s logistics supplier. Items recovered from him include one dagger, charms, one bag of groundnut mixed with okro and 4 bags of millet believe to be on transit to a bandits hideout”.
“In a related development, on 28 September 2020, troops deployed at forwarding Operation Base Moriki rescued a kidnapped victim named Ismaha who reportedly escaped from unknown bandit’s camp due to intensity of troops operating in the area. Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was kidnapped about 3 weeks ago while travelling from Sabon Pegi to Kucheri in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State”.
“Furthermore, same-day on 28 September 2020, troops deployed at Forward Operation Base Dan Ali rescued a female kidnap victim one Rasila (15 years) who was abducted in a farm at Tashar Biri village.
“The victim has been reunited with her family. In the same vein, on 29 September 2020, troops while on patrol arrested a suspected drug peddler one Yusufa Mai Unguwar Ahaska from Dorayi in Unguwar Doka village in Faskari LGA.
“Items recovered from the suspect include substance suspected to be hard drugs. During preliminary investigation, the suspect confessed to selling hard drugs to bandit leaders such as Leko and others.
“Also on 29 September 2020, in reaction to intelligent report on the movement of stolen animals using trailers to an unknown destination, troops swiftly established snap checkpoint and intercepted 2 trucks loaded with 55 cows and 10 sheep. The arrested drivers and recovered animals have been handed over to appropriate security agencies for further actions”.
“Similarly, on 1 October 2020, troops while on routine patrol along Faskari – Yankara road arrested a suspected bandit informant named Idris Yahaya spying on troop’s activities. Also, on same day troops deployed at Maigora arrested one suspected bandit collaborator called Buhari Adamu at Machika in Dandume LGA of Katsina State. During preliminary interrogation, the suspect confessed to have once taken ransom fee to bandits in Madachi Forest. Suspects are in custody undergoing further interrogation”.
“Furthermore, on 2 October 2020, gallant troops of Operation SAHEL SANITY deployed at Sabon Layi rescued 4 kidnapped victims from Giruwa village of Dandume LGA of Katsina State following Artillery bombardments on suspected bandits’ location at Unguwan-Doka village which resulted in neutralizing 4 of the bandits while others escaped into the forest. Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims have been in captivity for 12 days. All rescued victims have been reunited with their families amidst cheers and praises”.
“Also, on 3 October 2020, the vigilant troops of Operation SAHEL SANITY while conducting a Stop and Search operation arrested 3 suspected kidnappers in Musawa LGA, Katsina State. Items recovered from the suspects include one locally-made gun, 3 mobile phones and one motorcycle”.
“To this end, the gallant troops of Operation SAHEL SANITY are commended for the successes so far achieved and their commitment. They are further urged not to rest on their oars. While the people of the North-West are once more assured of troops committed to the safety of lives and property within the zone. They are also encouraged to continue to avail the troops with information that will assist them in the operation”.
