From Maiharaji Altine Gusau
The Nigerian Army, under Operation Sahel Sanity have killed 38 bandits, arrested 183 others and rescued 108 kidnapped victims in North Western Zone, comprising Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara and Kaduna states.
Briefing newsmen today, the Acting Director Defence Media Operations Brigadier General Benard Onyeuko said the success was recorded from September 4 to October 25, this year.
General Onyeuko said the tremendous successes achieved since the commencement of the operation could not have been possible without the sacrifice, commitment and gallantry exhibited by the professionally and responsive soldiers of the Nigerian Army some of whom have paid the supreme price in the course of their professional calling.
He maintained that, the gallant troops of Operation SAHEL SANITY within this period carried out series of clearance operations, ambushes, day and night patrols denying bandits and other criminal elements any respite.
Onyeuko said numerous farm and highway patrols were carried out within Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi and Zamfara States thus boosting the confidence of the locals as well as commuters in carrying out their daily activities without hindrance.
“These operations have most importantly led to the rescue of kidnapped victims, neutralization of bandits, arrest of several bandits informants and collaborators, recovery and return of rustled cattle to their bona-fide owners”. Said Onyeuko.
He also stated that there were recoveries of large cache of arms and ammunitions as well as other dangerous weapons, while numerous captured bandits motorcycles and bandits hideouts were destroyed by the gallant troops.
“Equally, a number of bandits logistics network have been smashed leading to the arrest of some of the syndicate members within the period”.
“So far, in all the operations conducted between 4 September -25 October 2020, 38 armed bandits were neutralized while 93 suspected bandits logistics suppliers and collaborators were arrested”.
“Relatedly, 30 Dane guns, 941 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammunition and 5 live cartridges were captured during various encounters with troops”.
He also stated that, a total of 131 cows, 154 sheep/rams and 1 camel were recovered.
“In all the search and rescue operations carried out, 108 kidnapped victims were rescued, 90 bandits informants and collaborators, 3 rustled cattle marketers and 12 bandits logistics suppliers were arrested”. He said.
General Onyeuko also explained that, a total of 10 bandit’s camps and their logistics bases were destroyed,47 bandits attacks and 31 kidnap incidents were foiled by the troops.
He maintained that the gallant troops of Operation SAHEL SANITY have continued to dominate all the hitherto volatile areas with confidence building patrols, ambushes and clearance operations to deny the bandits and other criminal elements freedom of action.
He commended the troops for their gallantry, sacrifices and successes achieved so far and urged them not to rest on their oars but build on the achievements recorded so far.
“The people of the North West zone are also appreciated for their continued cooperation in providing credible information for the success of the operation. They are also encouraged to continue to avail the troops with actionable information that would aid the desired goal of the operation”. Said Onyeuko.
He reassured the people of the zone that, the Nigerian Army was commitment to the restoration of total peace in the zone in particular and the country in general.
