ASHENEWS reports that the troops of the Joint Task Force of the Operation HADARIN DAJI (OPHD) in the Northwest, have rescued several kidnap victims and recovered equipment, including motorcycles used by the bandits in Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina and Sokoto states.
A statement by the Force Information Officer of the Operation Hadarin Daji, Captain Yahaya Ibrahim on Wednesday, said the feat was achieved through “actionable intelligence report on 5th August, 2023 on massing up of armed bandits at Gidan Jaja of Zurmi LGA in Zamfara state.“
According to the statement, “troops of the OPHD deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Zurmi immediately mobilized for a fighting patrol to the general area in order to dislodge the Bandits, during which contact was made with the criminals, but due to troops’ superior fire power forced the bandits to flee in disarray with possible gunshots wounds. After the encounter, 11 operational motorcycles were captured from the fleeing Bandits.
“Similarly, Troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Anka in Zamfara state rescued 4 kidnapped victims at the early hours (4am) of 5th August, 2023.
“This was achieved following credible intelligence from locals that several persons were kidnapped at Gangamai village in Gwashi District of Bukkuyum LGA of Zamfara state.
“The troops immediately mobilized for a rescue mission to the village and made contact with the bandits. Due to troops’ tactical abilities and fire superiority forced the bandits to flee and abandon their captives.
“Also, troops of FOB Bini while on patrol rescued 2 kidnapped victims who were abandoned by marauding bandits and fled on sighting troops,” the statement reads, adding that all the rescued victims were successfully reunited with their families.
The Commander Operation HADARIN DAJI Major General Godwin Mutkut commended the resilience and commitment of the troops, while charging them not to relent in their efforts and they should continue to be on the offensive to deny the bandits any freedom of action.
Gen Mutkut also called on the people of the region to be very vigilant and to immediately report any suspicious movement or persons to the security agencies close to them.
