The Nigerian military has recorded another significant achievement in the fight against terrorism on Thursday 18 April, 2019. Troops of Operations SHARAN DAJI and HABIN KUNAMA III in conjunction with the Nigerian Army Deep Blue Special Forces, the Nigerian Air Force Component and Vigilantes have neutralized 7 armed bandits on Thursday 18 April 2019.
The gallant troops killed the bandits in a fierce encounter that ensued, while on a clearance operation in Aljumana Fulani and Ketere villages in Zamfara State.
The bandits who were armed with sophisticated automatic weapons were overpowered by the superior fire power of the troops, thereby compelling the survivors among them to flee with gunshot wounds, abandoning their camp and logististics, which were destroyed by the troops.
During the encounter, troops also recovered 934 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition, one AK 47 Rifle, one steel chain used by bandits to restrain kidnapped victims and seven motorcycles.
In a separate sting operation, troops on patrol to Kara market in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State have arrested a suspected informant who stealthily provides information to armed bandits in the general area. The arrest has further led to the bursting of 3 other suspected informants who are currently undergoing investigations with the relevant prosecuting security agencies.
Sadly, during the operation, one soldier paid the supreme sacrifice, while 6 others and a vigilante who sustained various degrees of injuries have been evacuated for medical attention.
The Force Commander (FC) Major General Hakeem Oladapo Otiki commiserates with the family and relations of the late soldier, adding that his sacrifice will not be in vain. He reiterated the resolve of troops to tackle the menace of armed banditry and other forms of criminality in Zamfara and the contiguous states of Kebbi, Katsina and Sokoto. The FC urged the troops to remain resilient in combating the bandits until they are decisively decimated.
CLEMENT K ABIADE
Major
Assistant Director Army Public Relations
19 April 2019