By Aminah Musa
Nigerian ground troops deployed for Operation Hadarin Daji have killed no fewer than 18 terrorists in Zamfara and Katsina States, PRNigeria reports.
The criminals were eliminated in various clearance and patrol operations conducted by troops, over the weekend, in the troubled North West region.
But PRNigeria learnt that two ‘gallant soldiers’, however sustained gunshot wounds during a heavy gun battle between military troops and terrorists, in Jibia local government of Katsina State, yesterday.
This is just as troops of Forward Operating Base, FOB, Raka, while on patrol nabbed a suspected bandit at Gigane District of Gwadabawa local government, in Sokoto State.
The arrested terrorist and some members of his syndicate at large, PRNigeria gathered from reliable security sources in Sokoto, have been terrorizing Gigane community, in recent months.
A top military commander in the North West, revealed to PRNigeria how troops on Sunday neutralized terrorists in Zamfara and Katsina States, while also rescuing several abducted civilians in Kebbi and Sokoto States, after responding to distress calls.
The commander, who sought anonymity, said: “In a recent development, 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. Troops swiftly moved to the scene and on arrival a gun duel ensued with the bandits. However, due to superior firepower and tactical abilities, the troops forced the Bandits to flee and abandoned the kidnapped victims. The victims who were passengers and commuters were all rescued unhurt.
“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 bandit 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.
“Also, 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. On arrival at Mani village, the armed bandits opened a high volume of fire in order to scare the troops. However, the gallant troops resisted and engaged them with superior fire which forced the bandits to flee in disarray. Items recovered from the bandits include; 2 Motorcycles, a Mobile phone, blankets and other Engineering equipment.
“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. After an encounter, 3 armed bandits were neutralized while others fled with gunshot wounds. However, 2 gallant soldiers sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving treatment in a military medical facility”.
Following last weekend’s onslaught against terrorists by troops, Commander of the Joint Task Force Northwest OPHD, Major General Godwin Mutkut, commended the troops efforts and charged them not to rest until all bandits’ enclaves and hideouts are cleared.
