Troops have commenced clearance operations into bandits enclaves in Zamfara State and this will last up till June 2019 in line with Operation Sharan Daji as directed by the defence headquarters.
A statement from Clement K Abiade, a Major and an Acting Force Information Officer, Operation SHARAN DAJI said, the operation is being conducted simultaneously in collaboration with all security agencies and local vigilante.
The statement said, the current offensive is designed to identify and destroy bandits’ camps/enclaves in the area of operation.
“Already, the operation has recorded some successes. On 20 January 2019, troops came into contact with a large gang of bandits armed with sophisticated firearms and Rocket Propelled grenades at Dumburum and Gando forests leading to fierce gun battles which lasted several hours. The bandits were forced to abandon their camps due to superior firepower during these encounters.
“The items recovered from the bandits include 5 Fabric National Rifles, 4 AK Rifles, 10 locally made rifles, 1 locally fabricated pistol and 40 motor cycles.
“The casualty figures on the bandits’ side were 58 bandits neutralized, while one was captured alive. Troops also destroyed 18 camps and rescued 75 kidnapped victims held in some of these camps.
“The freed captives who were mostly from local communities in Zamfara State were debriefed and reunited with their families.
“Unfortunately, Operation SHARAN DAJI also suffered some casualties in these encounters. So far, two gallant soldiers and 2 members of the vigilante paid the supreme prize.
“A total of 8 soldiers and 6 vigilantes also sustained various degrees of gunshot injuries. Those who sustained injuries were immediately evacuated to Federal Medical Centre, Gusau for medical treatment, while those with life-threatening conditions were evacuated by air for specialist attention outside the theatre of operation.
“The families of the fallen heroes have been contacted accordingly, while the deceased members of the vigilante were laid to rest in Anka Cemetery according to Islamic rites.
“The Force Commander, Operation SHARAN DAJI, Maj Gen SO Olabanji commiserate with families of the fallen heroes and assures them that their sacrifices will not be in vain.
“He reaffirms the commitment of operation SHARAN DAJI to rid Zamfara State of all forms of banditry and criminality in line with its mandate.
“He calls on the general public to cooperate with troops and furnish security agencies with useful and timely information about bandits activities within their domain.”
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