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Nigeria military said to have recovered 16 AK47-rifles in last two months, killed over 70 bandits in the ongoing Operation Hadarin Daji in various areas in Zamfara forests.
The operation, according to reports, recorded success in rescuing over 50 kidnap victims, obe machine gun, 14 Dane guns, two pump action rifles, 2,437 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and 3 pistols.
This was disclosed in a press conference with the acting Director, Defence Information, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, in Abuja on Tuesday.
Nwachukwu said the arrested bandits would be handed over to appropriate prosecuting agencies after preliminary investigation.
In his words: “The Operation Hadarin Daji was launched to effectively tackle the spate of security challenges confronting some states in the north-western part of the country.
“In the last two months, since the commencement of the joint operation, the troops have in series of encounters rescued over 50 kidnapped victims and neutralised about 78 bandits from various fortified enclaves in Zamfara and contiguous states.
“Over 25 suspected bandits have been arrested and 14 motorcycles used by them were also recovered. The bandits are currently undergoing preliminary investigation, after which they will be handed over to the appropriate prosecuting agencies.
“On the realisation that bandits were generating financial resources through cattle rustling, the troops also embarked on anti-cattle rustling operations, which led to the interception and stalling of cattle rustling activities. This culminated in the recovery of 2,278 cows, which had been duly returned to their respective owners.”
The defence spokesman further revealed that 14 kidnappers were arrested and 6 others killed by the troops.
“Troops were able to identify a number of black spots along the Abuja-Kaduna highway, such as Jere, Katare, Rijana, Kurmi-Karshi, Gidan-Mamman Black-gold and Gidan-Guza, where criminals unleash attacks on unsuspecting road users.
“This operation led to the interception and arrest of 14 suspected kidnappers, while six bandits were neutralised.
“The troops also discovered a group of bandits dressed in military camouflage. The troops engaged them in a fire fight and neutralised the bandits. The troops have so far recovered a total of 38 firearms comprising 11 AK-47 rifles, one semi-automatic rifle and two locally-made pistols, among others.” Nwachukwu revealed.
