DHQ: ‘Once we round up bandits’ collaborators, insecurity challenge is addressed’

The Nigerian military says it has launched a full-scale plan to track down and arrest those collaborating with bandits in parts of the country in its new strategies to address the worsening security situation in the country.

The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations. Maj. Gen. John Enenche who spoke to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday during his weekly briefing said once those collaborating with bandits were rounded up, the security challenge in the country would be greatly addressed.

He said a number of collaborators had been arrested at different locations by troops, adding that three bandits’ accomplices were arrested in the North- West between November 12 and 18, 2020.

According to him, the bandits also suffered heavy casualties as several of them were killed while many others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.

“Based on credible information that a suspected bandit was sighted at Kukar Samu village in Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State, troops mobilised to the scene and arrested two suspected bandits’ collaborators named Nura Ibrahim and Abdullahi Yusuf while trying to escape with motorcycle belonging to bandits who fled on sighting troops.”

“One Sabe Iliya from Muniya village in Safana LGA was also apprehended while pretending to be a farmer but was identified by locals as an informant,” Enenche added.

Enenche further explained that a large cache of arms and ammunition and other items were captured by troops during the operations in the North-West while identified bandits’ camps were also destroyed.

Speaking on the activities of the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji and other subsidiary operations, the General said that they have sustained their operations aggressively with noticeable successes.

He disclosed that the troops within the period carried out series of clearance operations, ambushes and aerial patrols, adding that on November 15, troops of Operation Accord while on night patrol at Yar Tasha village engaged some bandits in a firefight.

“During the encounter, three bandits were neutralized while others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds. Three AK 47 rifles were recovered during the operation.

“Same day, troops deployed at Ungwan Doka rescued one kidnapped victim named, Adamu Yahaya. Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was kidnapped at Unguwar Sa’ida village in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State. The victim has been reunited with his family,” the DHQ disclosed.