No fewer than 760 people abducted by bandits in Zamfara villages have been rescued by Nigerian troops.
The troops killed 55 bandits and recovered weapons, ammunition and rustled cows in the operation code-named “Sharan Daji.”
The success of the operation was announced by the Acting Force Information Officer, Maj. Clement Abiade, in a statement issued in Gusau on Tuesday.
The statement reads in part: “A total of 24 suspected bandits informants, rustlers, kidnappers and logistics suppliers were arrested and handed over to the police for further investigation.
“The Air Component of the operation carried out several air strikes around Kagara, Gando, Fankama, Fete and Dumburum forest during which successes were recorded.
“Items recovered include four AK 47 rifles, one Rocket Propelled Gun Tube, 12 Dane guns, 27 AK 47 Magazines, 168 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, one Pump Action Gun, 47 Motorcycles, a Golf wagon car and 61 rustled cattle.”
Abiade stated further that apart from the rescue of the abducted persons, the success of the operation led to the return of over 1000 Internally Displaced Persons from Maru to Bini Village on February 17.
He said the Emir of Maru, Alhaji Abubakar Chika, and the Chairman of Maru Local Government Area, Alhaji Salisu Dangulbi, witnessed their departure at the LGA headquartres.
“Unfortunately, this feat was not achieved without supreme sacrifice being paid by one officer, two soldiers and a vigilante who paid the supreme prize during the encounter with bandits in Kagara forest,” he said.
