By Augustine Okezie, Katsina
The Nigerian Army Special Operations against bandits in the North West code named ‘Operation Sahel Sanity’ has routed several bandit camps in Katsina and the North West.
It also arrested foreign mercenaries from Niger Republic
Acting Director Defense Media Operations, Brigadier General Bernard Onyeuko, told newsmen the Military has recorded tremendous successes against the bandits in the area in the last few weeks
He said: ”You will recall that last week the Headquarters of Operation Sahel Sanity played host to several dignitaries here in Special Army Super Camp 4, Faskari. Notably the Chairmen Committees on Army in the Senate and House of Representatives, Governors and Traditional Rulers from the North West zone of the country”
”During the visits, they paid glowing tributes to the Army for their efforts to wipe out banditry, kidnapping and other sundry criminalities in the zone”
” They also pledged their unflinching support to the activities of the Nigerian Army in the zone and attested to the fact that farming, social and economic activities are once again flourishing in the North West zone”
He announced the smashing of a notorious illegal arms smuggling syndicate, which specialises in arms supply to bandits in the North West from across the international boarders led by Alhaji Adamu Alhassan, Salisu Adamu and Abdullahi Sani, all Nigeriens.
He also disclosed that those arrested were intercepted by the troops at Dantudu in Mailailai District of Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State with 6 AK 47 Rifles, 3 AK 47 Rifle magazines and 2,415 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition deceptively concealed in various parts of their vehicle.
Meanwhile, a combined special clearance operation troops also destroyed 12 bandit camps at Yobe Baranda in Batsari LGA of Katsina State with 3 bandits neutralized in the process while others escaped with various degrees of gunshot wounds.
Also troops of Forward Operation Base Wanke arrested a suspected bandit named Shehu Abdullahi while spying on trading’ activities in the market with the intent of organising kidnap.
Another group of bandits sighted at Danjibga market was arrested by troops mobilised to the area
Brigadier General Onyeuko further called on residents in the North West to partner the military with timely and actionable intelligent information, assuring the enemies would soon be defeated.