By DAPO FALADE
Troops of the Operation Sahel Sanity, in the last two weeks, have continued to record tangible achievements in the quest to rid the entire North-West zone of banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping and other sundry criminalities.
According to a press release by the Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Benard Onyeuko, The troops, in response to a distress call, on 25 September, neutralised armed bandits, recovered rustled cattles and rescued kidnapped victims in the zone.
The troops’ timely intervention, Onyeuko said, led to the smashing of the activities of some cattle rustlers in Kurfi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The release further stated that the criminals recorded some casualties attendant while 43 cows, six goats and eight sheep as well as two dane guns were recovered from the fleeing rustlers, adding that the 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 Local Government Area of Katsina State arrested one Umar Bello in possession of two rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition during a stop and search operation.
“Additionally, on 27 September 2020, troops on a snap road block arrested one Ahmadu Rufai suspected to be a bandits logistics supplier. Items recovered from him include one dagger, charms, one bag of groundnut mixed with okro and four bags of millet believe to be on transit to a bandits hideout.
“In a related development, on 28 September 2020, troops deployed at Forward Operation Base Moriki rescued a kidnapped victim named Ismaha who reportedly escaped from unknown bandit’s camp due to intensity of troops operation in the area.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was kidnapped about three weeks ago while travelling from Sabon Pegi to Kucheri in Tsafe Local Government Area 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. 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 Local Government Area.
“Items recovered from suspect include substance suspected to be hard drugs. During preliminary investigation, 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 movement of stolen animals using trailers to unknown destination, troops swiftly established snap check point and intercepted two 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 Local Government Area of Katsina State.
“During preliminary interrogation, 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 four kidnapped victims from Giruwa village of Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State.
“This followed artillery bombardments on suspected bandits’ location at Unguwan-Doka village which resulted in neutralising four 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 re united with their families amidst cheers and praises.
10. Also, on 3 October 2020, the vigilant troops, while conducting a stop and search operation arrested three suspected kidnappers in Musawa Local Government Area, Katsina State. Items recovered from the suspects include one locally made gun, there mobile phones and one motorcycle,” Onyeuko stated.
The Nigerian Army High Command commended the troops of the Operation Sahel Sanity for the successes so far achieved and their commitment and urged them not to rest on their oars.
It assured the people of the North-West of the troops’ commitment to the safety of lives and property within the zone and also encouraged them to continue to avail the troops with information that would assist them in the operation.
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