Troops of the Joint Task Force Northwest Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) have rescued five kidnapped victims and also neutralized scores of armed bandits and recovered arms and ammunition.
In a statement issued Monday by the Army headquarters, also traveled troops of Sector 1 OPHD in Zamfara State responded to a distress call about armed bandits kidnapped activities and robbery along Tsafe – Gusau highway between Tazame and Tabbani villages under Bungudu LGA of Zamfara State.
It said the troops swiftly moved to the scene and on arrival a gun duel ensued with the bandits.
It added that due to superior firepower and tactical abilities, the troops forced the bandits to flee and abandoned the kidnapped victims.
It noted that the victims who were passengers and commuters were all rescued unhurt.
It stated: “Similarly, troops of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Garin Hausawa received information that large numbers of armed bandits were sighted in Madobiya village in Danko- Wasagu LGA of Kebbi state, which prompted the troops to mobilized to the village and due to troops aggressive posture, armed bandits abandoned the kidnap victims and fled. However, 3 kidnapped victims were rescued and were handed over to their families.
”Relatedly, Troops of Special Forces deployed in Sokoto state while on routine patrol along Gundumi and Marnona road came in contact with armed bandits at Gundumi Village. After the encounter, one armed Bandits was neutralized while others escaped with gunshot wounds. Items recovered at the scene include; 1 AK-47 Rifle, 1 AK-47 Magazine loaded with 7.62 special ammunition.”
It stressed that on the 6th of August 2023, troops of Sector 3 in Sokoto state while on a fighting patrol received information about bandits’ incursion into Manu village, the troops swiftly moved to the village.
It said on arrival at Mani village, the armed bandits opened a high volume of fire in order to scare the troops.
It stressed that the gallant troops resisted and engaged them with superior fire which forced the bandits to flee in disarray.
It added that items recovered from the bandits included: two motorcycles, a mobile phone, blankets and other Engineering equipment.
In another development, it said acting of credible intelligence, troops of Forward Operating Base Raka while on patrol arrested a suspected bandit at Gigane District of Gwadabawa LGA of Sokoto state.
It said preliminary investigation revealed that the arrested bandit and his syndicate had been terrorizing the community, adding that the arrested bandit is currently undergoing investigation.
In the same vein, on the 6th of August 2023, troops of Sector 2 OPHD deployed in Katsina state while on a routine patrol along Jibia, Magama and Maidabaru road in Jibia LGA of Katsina state came in contact with large numbers of Armed bandits.
It said after an encounter, three armed bandits were neutralized while others fled with gunshot wounds, however, two gallant soldiers sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving treatment in a military medical facility.