Troops of “Operation SAHEL SANITY” have continued to record tangible achievements in their quest to rid the entire North West zone of banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping and other sundry criminalities.
Briefing journalists on Tuesday, Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Benard Onyeuko said on 25 September 2020, troops of “Operation SAHEL SANITY” responded to a distress call on activities of some cattle rustlers in Kurfi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
He said the troops’ timely intervention led to the smashing of the criminal syndicate with attendant casualties on the criminals while 43 cows, 6 goats and 8 sheep as well as 2 Dane guns were recovered from the fleeing rustlers.
Onyeuko said the rcovered animals have been handed over to their rightful owners.
He further stated that on the same day, troops deployed in Kauran Namoda, Zamfara State, acting on credible intelligence, successfully intercepted a herd of suspected rustled cattle while the suspects fled into the bush abandoning the animals.
He said a total of 30 cows were recovered and handed back to their owners while troops continued with aggressive day and night patrols of the general area to deny criminal elements freedom of action.
Onyeuko said in another development, on 26 September 2020, troops deployed at Nahuta in Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State arrested one Umar Bello in possession of 2 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition during a stop and search operation.
He added that on 27 September 2020, troops on a snap road block arrested one Ahmadu Rufai suspected to be a bandits’ logistics supplier.
Items recovered from him included one dagger, charms, one bag of groundnut mixed with okro and 4 bags of millet believed to be on transit to a bandit’s hideout.
Meanwhile, on 28 September 2020, troops deployed in Forward Operation Base Moriki rescued a kidnapped victim named Ismaha, who reportedly escaped from unknown bandits’ camp due to intensity of troops operation in the area.
Onyeuko said preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was kidnapped about 3 weeks ago while travelling from Sabon Pegi to Kucheri in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State.
He also disclosed that on 28 September 2020, troops deployed in Forward Operation Base Dan Ali rescued a female kidnap victim one Rasila (15 years) who was abducted in a farm at Tashar Biri village. He said the victim has been reunited with her family.
In the same vein, on 29 September 2020, troops while on patrol arrested a suspected drug peddler one Yusufa Mai Unguwar Ahaska from Dorayi in Unguwar Doka village in Faskari Local Government Area. Items recovered from suspect include substance suspected to be hard drugs.
Onyeuko said during preliminary investigation, suspect confessed to selling hard drugs to bandit leaders such as Leko and others.
Also, on 29 September 2020, in reaction to intelligent report on movement of stolen animals using trailers to unknown destination, troops swiftly established snap check point and intercepted 2 trucks loaded with 55 cows and 10 sheep.
The arrested drivers and recovered animals have been handed over to appropriate security agencies for further actions.
He said troops while on routine patrol along Faskari – Yankara road arrested a suspected bandit informant named Idris Yahaya spying on troop’s activities.
Also, on the same day, troops deployed at Maigora arrested one suspected bandit collaborator called Buhari Adamu at Machika in Dandume LGA of Katsina State.
During preliminary interrogation, suspect confessed to have once taken ransom fee to bandits in Madachi Forest. Suspects are in custody undergoing further interrogation.
Onyeuko said on 2 October 2020, gallant troops of “Operation SAHEL SANITY” deployed in Sabon Layi rescued 4 kidnapped victims from Giruwa village of Dandume LGA of Katsina State following Artillery bombardments on suspected bandits’ location at Unguwan-Doka village which resulted in neutralizing 4 of the bandits while others escaped into the forest.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims have been in captivity for 12 days. All rescued victims have been re united with their families amidst cheers and praises.
He said on 3 October 2020, the vigilant troops of “Operation SAHEL SANITY” while conducting a Stop-and- Search operation arrested 3 suspected kidnappers in Musawa LGA, Katsina State.
Items recovered from the suspects included one locally-made gun, 3 mobile phones and one motorcycle.
He commended the troops of “Operation SAHEL SANITY” for the successes so far achieved and their commitment.
He urged them not to rest on their oars and assured the people of the North-West of troops’ commitment to the safety of life and property within the zone.
Onyeuko also encouraged them to continue to avail the troops with information that would assist them in the operation.
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