ZAMFARA: BANDITS ON THE RUN AS MILITARY JETS AND GROUND TROOPS BOMBARD HIDEOUTS; NEUTRALIZE NOTORIOUS BANDIT "EMIR" AND 59 OTHERS

Armed bandits in Zamfara are seemingly on the run if reports filtering in from the state are anything to go by.

 In a Press Statement issued by the Spokesman for Operation Hadari Daji (OPHD) in the state, Captain Ayobami Oni-Orisan, not less than 59 bandits have so far been neutralized by OPHD troops during the ongoing Operation Mushare in the forests of Zamfara.

According to the spokesman, “on 3rd of October 2019, troops deployed at SUNKE in ANKA Local Government Area, came under unprovoked attack by armed bandits despite the ongoing peace process in the State. However, the gallant troops successfully repelled the attack, neutralized 19 bandits in the process.”

Consequently, as a result of this incident, OPHD commenced a clearance operation against the rogue bandits nicknamed Operation Mushare deep in the hinterlands of the state. The military deployed its air and ground assets against the bandits, who were marauding all over the forests.

”Between 6th and 7th of October 2019,  within BAWA DAJI general area, 3 heavily fortified camps at GUBARAWA, BAWA DAJI and BAWA DAJI Forest were destroyed when the ground troops of OPHD, comprising elements of the Nigerian Army,N igerian Navy, Nigerian Airforce, Nigeria Police, and Department of State Security, backed by fighter jets and helicopter gunships of the Air component OPHD, overpowered the bandits, overran the 3 camps and neutralized 39 bandits, (including the notorious bandits' leader known as “Emir”). Many of the bandits were obviously wounded.”

The troops also recovered the following items were recovered  from the bandits/camps:
a.3 x AK 47 rifles
b.421 x 7.62mm (special) ammunition
c.30 x PKT rifle rounds
d.10 x magazines
e.5 x Motorcycles
f.177 x Cows
g.7 x handsets
h.2 x handset batteries
i.Substance suspected to be Cannabis Sativa
j. Charms

Other excerpts from the Release are as follows:

”Similarly, in continuation with the offensive against the bandits, clearance operations were also extended to the general area of KURUWA, KAWARA, KALAHE and ZANGO villages in BAKURA Local Government Area where troops encountered a large number of marauders at their camp in ZANGO village on 8 October 2019. The determined troops overwhelmed the armed bandits with a high volume of fire, neutralized 19 of the criminals and recovered 1 motorcycle.” 

”Additionally, troops also arrested a suspected bandit Abubakar Umar along road LAMBA - DAMRI axis with the sum of 400,000 Naira presumably for purchase of bandits logistics supplies. The suspect will be handed over to the civil police for further investigation/necessary action.” 

”Additionally, on the 8th of October 2019, troops on fighting patrol in BUKKUYUM general area, intercepted some  logistics items enroute to bandits' camps. The items include:
a.13 x Jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)
b.8 x Litres of engine oil
c.4 x Motorcycle tyre tubes

”Furthermore, on  the 9th of October 2019,  troops deployed in ANKA general area, based on intelligence intercepted and arrested suspected bandits' logistics suppliers named LAWALI UMAR AND JAMILU LIMAN around KUTURU village in ANKA Local Government Area of the State purchasing some logistics items for onward movement to the bandits' camps. Consequently, the troops recovered the under listed items:
a.4 x Jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)
b.1 x Carton of Malt
c.3 x Packets of soft drinks
d.1 x packet of Nutri milk
 
”In a related development, based on intelligence indicating that armed bandits were seen   crossing with some rustled cows at DAKI TAKWAS in ANKA Local Government Area, OPHD troops deployed in the general area immediately  ambushed the criminals along road ANKA-DAKI TAKWAS. The criminals  fled and abandoned the rustled cows in the area.  Troops pursued the fleeing criminals and successfully neutralized 20 of them and recovered the following items:
a.2 x Motorcycles
b.6 x magazines
c.160 x rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition and many links
d.60 x rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition
e.296 cows

 Presently, troops have dominated the general area with aggressive patrols, snap checkpoints and ambushes amongst other line of operations to deny the criminals freedom of action.   

This onslaught against armed banditry and all other criminal activities will continue until banditry is effectively combated. Troops will continue to remain highly committed and professional in carrying out assigned tasks in line with the extant Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct.