Army Neutralises 10 Terrorists, Arrests Bandit Kingpin in North West

The Nigerian Army has announced the neutralisation of 10 terrorists and the arrest of a notorious bandit kingpin in clearance operations across the North West region.

Also, the troops apprehended arms smugglers and seized ammunition during raids in Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Katsina states.

The Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadarin Daju, Capt. Yagata Ibrahim, who disclosed the army’s successes in a statement on Saturday in Gusau, explained that the troops had significant victories in the coordinated dry season clearance operations in the affected states.

“In a recent clearance operation conducted on Jan. 26, the troops cleared and destroyed terrorists’ enclaves at Pada, Matso-Matso and Yurlumu villages in Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

“During the operation, seven terrorists were neutralised while others escaped with severe gunshot wounds.

“In the same day, OPHD troops in Zamfara on fighting patrol neutralised two terrorists at Getso and Ubaka villages under Maru LGA.

“The troops recovered one AK47 Rifle, one magazine and 7.62mm special ammunition and two motorcycles,” he said.

The troops also responded to an intelligence report on terrorist movement along Sheme – Dandume road in Katsina State, engaging the terrorists, killing one, and forcing others to flee.

The Army also reported the arrest of Usman Abubakar, also known as Harinde, a notorious bandit leader in Zamfara, on Jan. 26.

“Abubakar, aged 35, has been terrorising Shinkafi and Zurmi LGAs and other villages in Sokoto state,” Ibrahim added.

Further, the troops acted on credible intelligence about a group of notorious gunrunners, leading to the arrest of three suspects in Shinkafi. Valuables, including N2.5 million, a Volkswagen wagon car, and three mobile phones, were seized from the suspects.

Additionally, a combined team of troops and personnel from the Department of State Security Service (DSS) arrested a terrorist collaborator, Ibrahim Atiku, at Amawara village in Danmusa LGA of Katsina state. All suspects are currently undergoing preliminary investigation before being handed over to the appropriate security agencies for further actions.

(NAN)