The Troops of the Joint Task Force Northwest Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) have rescued six kidnapped victims, recovered 11 operational motorcycles from the fleeing armed bandits in Zamfara.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Gusau by the force information officer Operation Hadarin Daji through Captain Yahaya Ibrahim said the troops have continued to intensify operations against the marauding bandits in the Northwest region of Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina and Sokoto, respectively.
“Acting on actionable intelligence report on 5th August 2023 on massing up of armed bandits at Gidan Jaja of Zurmi LGA in Zamfara state, troops of the OPHD deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Zurmi immediately mobilized for a fighting patrol to the general area to dislodge the Bandits, during which contact was made with the criminals, but due to troops’ superior firepower 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 in 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.
“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.
He disclosed that all the rescued victims were successfully reunited with their families.
Major General Godwin Mutkut has commended the resilience and commitments of the troops.
He charged the troops 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.
