•Kill 11 bandits, recover 122 head of livestock
The Nigerian troops involved in live field training exercise code-named “Exercise Harbin Kunama”, have intensified patrol and operation to clear cattle rustlers from the various forests in Zamfara State. The exercise was launched last week by President Muhammad Buhari as part of the activities marking the Nigerian Army Day Celebrations (NADCEL) 2016.
The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, in a statement on Sunday, said that troops of 223 Battalion while on patrol encountered armed bandits at Madaka village, Maru Local Government Area (LGA) of the state during which they killed nine.
Usman said the troops also recovered three AK-47 rifles, two AK-47 rifles magazine, three rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, a machete and 24 motorcycles.
He also said that local vigilantes at ‘Yargada village, Gusau LGA apprehended a fleeing suspected armed bandit and handed him over to troops deployed at Magami.
In a related development, he stated that the troops have also raided a bandit camp at Gangamai village in Dansadau LGA.
Usman said that during the raid, there was an exchange of fire between the troops and the armed bandits.
He however stated that the bandits escaped with gun shot wounds.
The Army Spokesman said that the troops recovered two Dane Guns bags containing marijuana (aka Indian hemp).
He disclosed that another team also carried out raid on cattle rustlers and armed bandits camp at Gidan Mai Jaja in Dansadau general area.