Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested 64 suspected armed bandits and recovered 7119 cattle, sheep and goats.
A statement signed by the Spokesperson, 1 Division of Nigerian Army, Colonel Usman Abdul and made available to newsmen in Kaduna, stated that 10 bandits were also killed in the operation.
Col. Abdul said the Army made the arrest in its ongoing operation restore peace and clearing of Boko Haram terrorist sleepers cells, armed bandits and cattle/cow rustlers from Kamuku/Kuyanbana forest areas within the 1 Div. Area of Responsibility, AOR which covers states of North West and part of North Central like Niger and Kogi States.
According to him, “In Kaduna State and its immediate environs, the expanded security out-fit involved in the operation has made recovery of 2,081 animals like cattle, sheep and goats.
27 suspects were arrested and a lot of weapons of different calibers were also recovered from the bandits. All the suspects were handed over to the police and DSS for further interrogation and prosecution.
“In the axis of Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi States, over 3,027 animals which included cattles, goats and sheep were recovered, 33 suspected bandits were arrested with 11 weapons seized in the course of the operation. All the suspects were handed over to Zamfara DSS and police command while the animals were handed over to Zamfara State government officials.
“In the area covering Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States. The joint operation recovered a total number of 2,011 animals, 4 suspects arrested, 10 bandits were killed during encounters and 8 assorted weapons recovered. Arrested suspects were handed over to Katsina State police command, while animals recovered were handed over to Katsina State Government officials,” it said.
Col. Abdul said the army along with other security agencies have been able to reduce and subdue the activities of the armed bandits in Kaduna and other states within the division area and promised not to relent on her oars until all forms of security threat are eliminated