By Mohammed Munirat Nasir
Troops of the Operation Sharan Daji, a joint military operation fighting banditry in Zamfara state, northwest Nigeria say they have arrested two female bandits and 50 other bandits in the state.
Acting Director Defence Information (DDI), Brigadier General John Agim announce the arrests in Gusau on Saturday, while briefing journalists on the activities of Operation Sharan Daji.
He said so far in the operation many heinous and notorious bandits were neutralised, among them were Danboko and Danbuzuwa.
General Agim acknowledged the efforts of the Air Task Force for launching Air attacks at Sububu and Rugu forest, where the bandits were hiding and the destruction of their camps.
He added that some arm dealers and cattle rustlers including two female bandits were also arrested.
“A point of emphasis is the arrest of chief logistics suppliers identified as Amos Ugwuozo, Nura Mukhtari and Sani Yaro”, he said.
Agim said over 20 sophisticated arms and assorted ammunition, along with some dangerous local weapons were recovered.
“Other recoveries included two cars, 38 motorcycles, over 30 mobile phones and three kidnapped victims were rescued with over N500,000 cash recovered from kidnappers “, he said.
He said robust patrols and armed escorts around vulnerable villages and weekly local markets have built confidence in the communities and therefore, bandits have no longer freedom of action.
“The return of over 6000 displaced persons to their communities was a clear indication that peace has started returning to the state”, he said.
Agim solicited for the support of the local communities to provide useful information to the Operation Sharan Daji to successfully contain the security challenge in the state.