In the ongoing operation to rid the Northwest of banditry, kidnapping and other heinous crimes, Troops of Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) have renewed aggressive onslaught on bandits enclaves in an ongoing Clearance operation in the Northwest in its Area of Operations which include Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina and Zamfara States.
Media Smarts Nigeria can authoritatively report that, on 28 July 2023, acting on credible information about a bandit kingpin named Jabbi Ruwa and some of his members were taking refuge in Dambala village in Sokoto state.
The Troops of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gwadabawa and Troops of Raka in Sokoto state, in conjunction with local guides immediately mobilized to Dambala village where Jabbi Ruwa and 4 others of his foot soldiers were apprehended.
Similarly, our source within the military confirmed that, on 28 July 2023, Troops of OPHD in a sustained Clearance Operation, cleared bandits enclaves and thoroughfare routes at Sangeko, Kabugu Lamba, Kaboro and Mairairai villages in Maru Local Government of Zamfara state.
During the process, troops came in contact with armed bandits at notorious bandit leader Alhaji ILU hideout at Sangeko, Kabagon Lamba, Danmani and Kaboro villages under Maru LGA. The Troops engaged the armed bandits with superior fire power which forced the bandits to flee while 1 bandit was neutralized, others escaped with gunshot wounds.
Troops maintained aggressive patrol within the villages in order to eliminate other bandits and deny them freedom of action within the area.
All arrested persons are currently undergoing preliminary investigation.
The Commander Joint Task Force Northwest Operation Hadarin Daji Major General Godwin Mutkut who also doubles as the General officer Commanding 8 Division has commended the troops and charged them to maintain the momentum. He further called on the people of the region to be vigilant and immediately report any suspected persons or activities of the criminals.