Troops Kill 7 Bandits, Arrest Cattle Thieves Trying To Sell Stolen Livestock

Five (5) suspected bandits have been arrested by troops of Operation SAHEL SANITY, a subsidiary operation to Operation HADARIN DAJI, while displaying 17 cows and a goat for sale at Bingi market in Maru LGA of Zamfara State.

A statement issued on Saturday by Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters, Benard Onyeuko, said the suspects were apprehended by the troops deployed at Forward Operation Base Bingi, following credible intelligence.

Onyeuko said preliminary investigation showed that the animals were earlier rustled from Gabiya village.

He said similarly, another set of 121 cows and 37 sheeps recovered from rustlers were handed over to the committee for recovery of rustled animals for necessary action by troops deployed at Forward Operation Base Danjibga in Tsafe LGA of the state.

According to the acting Defence spokesman, one bandit informant was on 14th July, arrested at Isa-Matete Junction in Isa local government area of Sokoto State, following credible intelligence. He added that the suspect was undergoing interrogation.

He said “Furthermore, troops of Defence Headquarters Special Operation Forces deployed at Batsari had a meeting engagement with some marauding armed bandits at Jigawar Mallamai in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State. In the aftermath of the encounter, 4 bandits were neutralized, one AK 47 rifle and 21 motorcycles were recovered. All recovered motorcycles were destroyed instantly.
 
“In another development, on 15 July 2020 troops conducted clearance operation on suspected bandits hideouts at Garin Maza, Tamuske, and Garin Bagwari villages in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State. Troops made contact with the bandits and in the ensuing encounter, 3 bandits were neutralized and 6 motorcycles were recovered while the hideouts were destroyed.”

Furthermore, he disclosed that 3 motorcycles were recovered after bandits fled when troops of Forward Operation Base Dangulbi conducted clearance patrol to Dan Kaka and Dan Kura villages in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State on July 16th.

The statement conveyed the commendation of the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai to the troops.