Six kidnapped victims have been rescued by Operation Haderin Daji troops, part of the military forces, who have also recovered 11 operable motorcycles from the rampaging bandits operating in State Zamfara.
The military have continued to step up operations against marauding bandits in the Northwest zone of Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, and Sokoto, respectively, according to a statement released on Wednesday in Gusau by Captain Yahaya Ibrahim, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations.
“Acting on actionable intelligence report on 5th August 2023 on massing up of armed bandits at Gidan Jaja of Zurmi LGA in Zamfara State, troops of the OPHD deployed at Forward Operating Base, FOB Zurmi immediately mobilized for a fighting patrol to the general area to dislodge the bandits, during which contact was made with the criminals, but due to troops’ superior firepower forced the bandits to flee in disarray with possible gunshots wounds.
“After the encounter, eleven operational motorcycles were captured from the fleeing bandits”, the statement added.
“Similarly, troops deployed at Forward Operating Base, FOB, Anka in the State rescued four kidnapped victims.
“This was achieved following credible intelligence from locals that several persons were kidnapped at Gangamai village in Gwashi district of Bukkuyum Local Government Area of the State.
“The troops immediately mobilized for a rescue mission to the village and made contact with the bandits. The troops’ tactical abilities and fire superiority forced the bandits to flee and abandon their captives.
“Also troops of FOB Bini while on patrol rescued two kidnapped victims who were abandoned by marauding bandits and fled on sighting troops,” he said.
According to the Army spokeswoman, all of the victims who had been saved had been successfully reunited with their families.
He went on to say that Major General Godwin Mutkut had praised the soldiers’ fortitude and dedication.
The Army General ordered the troops, according to the statement, to keep working hard.
Additionally, he urged residents of the area to exercise extreme caution and to promptly alert security officials to any suspicious activity or individuals.