Troops kill 48 bandits, rescue 18 victims in Zamfara

The Nigerian army says its troops have killed 48 bandits operating across different camps in Maru LGA of Zamfara state.

The troops, from the army’s 8 division, have been operating in Zamfara and adjoining states in an operation code-named Tsare Mutane.

Mohammed Yerima, army spokesperson, in a statement on Monday, said 18 victims abducted by the bandits were also rescued by the troops.

“The troops successfully cleared many bandits’ camps in Jaya, Kadaya and Bayan Ruwa amongst several others,” the statement read.

“The troops successfully neutralised 48 bandits while the bandits leader in the area Jummo sustained gunshot wound to his leg. The troops rescued 18 kidnap victims from the bandits’ enclave.

“Moreover, eight AK-47 rifles and one G3 rifle, as well as one PKT and a Machine Gun were recovered from the Bandits.

“Meanwhile, in continuation with the second phase of Operation Tsare Mutane, troops sacked several other bandits’ camps around Gabiya, Bozaya and Mereri and the adjoining forests in Maru LGA of Zamfara State from 19 April to 3 May 2021.

“The areas which were heavily infested by bandits were successfully cleared by the highly spirited troops. Key bandits’ leaders including Yellow Mai-Bille, Sani Meli, Dan-Katsina and Sama’ila Bakajin Bari were neutralised in the process while the main leader Nasanda narrowly escaped with fatal injuries.

“Equally neutralised in the operation was one Isan Heshi who is a close ally of a notorious bandit called Nagala.”

He said items recovered include 4,600 rounds of ammunition, two AK-103 rifles, eight AK-47 magazines, 1,628 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, 54 rounds of PKM (machine gun) as well as one motorcycle and five mobile phones.

He added that Ibrahim Attahiru, chief of army staff, has urged the troops to sustain the offensive operations until Zamfara and neighbouring states are stabilised.