From Maiharaji Altine, Gusau
In their continued aggressive operations, troops of Operation SAHEL SANITY have recently recorded more achievements in the fight against bandits in the North-West.
In a statement issued to newsmen today, the Acting Director Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Benard Onyeuko said, the gains were recorded in recent operations and swift response against the activities of marauding bandits across the theater.
General Onyeuko said “On 29 October 2020, troops swiftly responded to a distress call about bandits activities at Diskuru village in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State”.
He said that the incident was recorded as the marauding bandits stormed the village on several motorcycles, shooting sporadically with the intent to scare the locals and loot valuables.
“On arrival, the gallant troops engaged the criminals in a fierce fire fight forcing them to withdraw in dissaray. Resulting from the encounter, three bandits were neutralized by the troops as several others were believed to have escaped with various degrees of gunshot wounds”. Said Onyeuko.
He stated that, during the exploitation phase, 2 additional bandits’ bodies were discovered along their withdrawal route.
“Also in the aftermath of the encounter, three women and their infants earlier kidnapped by the bandits were rescued from the criminals”.
“Troops continue to dominate the village and adjoining environment to deny the bandits any respite.
Onyeuko stressed that one brave soldier had been killed in an attempt to save one of the rescued nursing mothers in the heat of the encounter.
He said “on 27 October 2020, troops deployed at Dan Ali village acting on reliable Information arrested 2 suspected bandits collaborators namely Samaila Usman and Idi Bello”.
“Suspects are in own custody undergoing interrogations before handing them over to appropriate prosecuting authorities”.
“To this end, the gallant troops of Operation SAHEL SANITY are commended for the successes achieved and their commitment’.
“They are further urged not to rest on their oars until the Northwest zone is rid of all criminal activities”.
The troops assured the people of the Northwest of their commitment to safety of lives and properties within the zone.
“They are also encouraged to avail the troops with timely and credible Information that will assist in the conduct of their operations”. Concluded General Onyeuko.
