The heat on armed bandits and other
criminals in Northwestern Nigeria continues to increase as troops of
Operation Hadari Daji (OPHD) have recorded yet another
significant success as operations continue against armed
banditry and all other forms of criminality in Zamfara state.
According to a statement signed by the acting Force Information
Officer of the Operation, Ayobami Oni-Orisan, and made available to
journalists in Gusau on Friday, the troops conducted clearance
operations between February 10 and 20th, with ambushes and fighting
patrols in several locations across the northwest region. Places covered during the course of the operations were Tungar Mata,
Tuduki, Kawaye and Mararaban Kawaye villages in Anka Local Government
Area, Moriki town in Shinkafi Local Government Area,
and Belhi, Ruwar Kura, Kyaram, Gallai and Shirkai villages of Bukkuyum Local
Government Area, all in Zamfara state.
Others are Tsauwa, Dankar and Yan Gayya villages of Batsari Local
Government Area of Katsina state and Gallai, Shirkai and ‘Yarkuka
villages in Kebbi state.
According to the military spokesman, the
operations resulted in the interception of a large ammunitions
cache of 4,630 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition around Moriki town in
Shinkafi, the neutralization of 13 bandits with several others wounded,
while 8 suspected bandits were arrested (including a female). In
addition,troops recovered the following items: 7 AK-47 rifles, 8 loaded
magazines, 22 Motorcycles,
2 Dane gun, 4 GSM phones and 30 jerrycans of Premium Motor
Spirit(Petrol).
“Troops also intercepted suspected drug counterfeiters and drug
dealers with 350 cartons of fake “PECOL” drugs and a sizeable
consignment of suspected Indian Hemp in Zurmi and Shinkafi Local
Government Areas of Zamfara state respectively.
“The fake “PECOL” drugs which were being smuggled from Niger Republic
through Jibia, were carefully concealed behind bags of fresh pepper in a
J5 Bus with registration number RMY 156 XA Katsina to avoid any
suspicion. However, careful scrutiny of the vehicle by the troops led to
the discovery of the fake drugs.
“Troops deployed in Shinkafi Local Government also intercepted
another vehicle conveying a suspected drug dealer with a large quantity
of Indian Hemp carefully concealed inside a carton”.
The statement further said that suspects and exhibits have duly been
handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and
Control (NAFDAC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
respectively for further prosecution and destruction of the drugs.
He reassured that the ongoing operation against banditry and all
forms of criminality will continue until peace is restored in Zamfara,
Katsina, Kebbi and Sokoto states.
“Troops of OPHD remain highly motivated, determined, disciplined and
professional in executing this mission in line with extant Rules Of
Engagement (ROE) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) of the Armed
Forces of Nigeria.
“Consequently, the Force Commander OPHD and Acting General Officer
Commanding (GOC), 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General Aminu
Bande duly uses this medium to reassure the good and peace-loving people
of Zamfara and all other neighbouring states of their safety”
He, however, urged and equally encourages the residents of the states
to support the operation by providing timely and credible information
to OPHD troops through the dedicated emergency telephone numbers,
earlier provided to the general public, to ensure prompt and efficient
action.
The force commander also warns all recalcitrant bandits and their
cohorts to immediately lay down their arms and embrace the on-going
peace process or face full military action.
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