DHQ: Kidnapped Victim Rescued As Troops Arrest Bandits, Recover Rustled Cattles In North West

The Defence Headquarters has disclosed that Nigerian troops rescued a kidnapped victim named Nuhu Gambo who was abducted after criminal bandits invaded his community; Unguwar Tabo.

The successful rescue operation was due to a distressed call which the troops responded and subsequently attacked the armed bandits.

It was said that the victim escaped as the bandits abandoned him and fled due to the troops’ unabating pursuit.

This was contained in a statement issued by Brigadier-General Benard Onyeuko, Acting Director Defence Media Operations on Thursday.

According to Onyeuko, the “gallant troops” of Operation SAHEL SANITY have continued to record credible achievements in their quest to rid the entire North-West zone of banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping and other sundry criminalities.

The statement reads: “On 18 Jul 20 Troops deployed at Gundumi in Isah LGA of Sokoto State arrested 2 suspected bandits namely, Marti Abdullahi and Abdullahi Muazu following reliable information of their involvement in acts of banditry. Also, same day on 18 Jul 20 while on clearance patrol at Teke Mai Filoti village in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State troops arrested 2 notorious bandits namely Gabbe Muhammadu and Muhammad Bello known for involvement in kidnapping and robbery activities.

“Similarly, on 18 July 2020, troops deployed at Nahuta village in Batsari LGA of Katsina State arrested 2 bandits namely Mohammed Lawal and Useni Abubakar who were identified by locals to have carried out several attacks in Nahuta village at various times.

“In another development, the gallant troops also arrested 2 suspected bandits at Yar Tasha village. While in custody, one of the suspects’ phone line received a call from other suspected bandits urging him to quickly meet up with them for an impending attack. Efforts are currently on to track and arrest the callers. Meanwhile, all arrested suspects are currently in custody undergoing investigation.

“Additionally, on 19 July 2020, troops deployed at Forward Operating Base Wanke swiftly responded to a distress call on bandits rustling activities in the area, however, bandits fled on information that troops were closing in on them. Nevertheless, the resilient troops exploited and recovered 20 cows rustled by the bandits in the process.

“Furthermore, troops deployed at Funtua responded to a distress call on armed bandits activities in Kankara LGA, went in pursuit of the fleeing bandits and recovered 8 cows which were subsequently handed over to the owners.

“Similarly, troops responded to a distress call at Unguwar Tabo where armed bandits invaded and kidnapped one Nuhu Gambo. The victim escaped as the bandits abandoned him and fled due to the troops’ unabating pursuit. Also, on 22 July 2020 troops of Forward Operating Base Bingi acting on credible information of armed bandits activities around Ragwada Forest under Maru LGA stormed a bandits hideout in the area. Bandits fled the hideout abandoning 3 motorcycles which were recovered by the troops.

“Additionally, on 22 July 2020 responding on a distress call from locals at Zauni village in Magami district of Gusau LGA of Zamfara State on the invasion by bandits in the town and rustling of cows, troops swiftly mobilised to the area and went in pursuit of the bandits. In the ensuing encounter the bandits fled in disarray, troops recovered 25 cows which had been handed over to the owners.

“Similarly, on 22 July 2020 troops on clearance patrol at Mara Runka came in contact with bandits who opened fire on them from afar and the valiant troops responded forcing the bandits to flee  with possible gunshot wounds abandoning 5 motorcycles. Nevertheless the resilient troops pursued and arrested 2 of the fleeing bandits. Items recovered from them include one black bag containing charms and the sum of one thousand six hundred and fifty Naira (N1,650.00) only.

“Troops of Operation SAHEL SANITY are presently dominating the general area with aggressive patrols and ambushes paving way for smooth conduct of agricultural and economic activities by the locals.

“Consequently, the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai  commended the troops for their gallantry and resilience in the ongoing operation. He urges them not to rest on their oars but build on the successes so far achieved. He further assured the people of the North-West zone of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the safety of lives and properties within the zone.”