Troops Arrest 25 Bandits, Recover Cache of Arms And Ammunition

Following reinvigorated operational strategies and robust anti-banditry operations injected into the activities of Operation HARBIN KUNAMA III, troops have in a renewed effort arrested several gangs of bandits terrorizing Isa, Rabbah, and Burkusuma communities around Sububu Forest in Sokoto State as well as in Batsari, Safana and Kankara in Dumburum Forest of Katsina state.

Similarly, troops deployed in Super Camp covering Bena, Jega, Danko, and Wasagu encountered and annihilated an unconfirmed number of bandits and destroyed five( 5) bandits’ camps in Gando Forest of Kebbi State.

Briefing journalists on the activities of the operation, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division, Maj Gen Hakeem Otiki on the 26 June 2019 stated that five camps and 25 motorcycles were destroyed during the operation.

He added that the operation which covers Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States witnessed series of successful simultaneous ground operations activities involving raids, ambushes, cordon and search with the occasional support of the Air Task Force component which the troops are poised to sustain.

The GOC further stated that items recovered during the operation include:
a. 8 x AK 47 rifles
b. 2 x General Purpose Machine Guns
c. 2 x G3 rifles
d. 3 x dane guns.
e. 9 x AK 47 magazine
f. 48 x rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

According to him, “The operation is to facilitate the return of refugees and internally displaced persons back to their homes, creating enabling environment for economic activities to strive and instilled confidence in the locals to remain in their villages and continue their normal lives unmolested.

He assured the residents of the Nigerian Army readiness to provide adequate security and improve synergy and collaboration with other security agencies within 8 Division Area of Responsibility with the aim of Combating banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping, and other security challenges.

He used the opportunity to commend the gallant officers and soldiers of the Division for their resilience and patriotism in the ongoing operation even as he commends members of various vigilante groups and local hunters for their supportive roles to troops.

He appealed to residents of the areas to always provide useful and timely information to the security agencies for prompt action.