In a daring operation on 29th February 2024, troops of the Joint Task Force Northwest Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) successfully rescued two kidnap victims and killed a bandit in Zamfara State.
In a statement signed and made available to SMARTS NEWS by the information officer of operation Hadarin Daji, Lieutenant Omale Suleiman said it was conducted by the courageous efforts of the troops of the forward operating Base (FOB) OPHD Dan-Marke.
Lt. Omale noted that while responding to intelligence reports of bandit movements around Kairu Village near Dan-Marke in Gummi LGA, the troops swiftly mobilized and engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle lasting several hours. The superior fighting power of the troops forced the bandits to retreat with gunshot injuries, resulting in the neutralization of one bandit and the recovery of an operational motorcycle.
He also revealed that on the same day, OPHD troops responded to a distress call regarding bandit activities at Unguwar Sarkin Musulmi village in Kaura Namoda LGA. Mobilized promptly, they cordoned off the area, rescued a driver and a passenger, and cleared the road for commuters, forcing the bandits to flee.
“In a separate operation in the Batsari general area of Katsina State, OPHD troops conducted a well-planned clearance operation and coordinated a fighting patrol and ambush. The troops engaged with the bandits, resulting in the neutralization of two and the recovery of another operational motorcycle, while others fled into the forest with gunshot wounds.” Lt Omale added
According to him the General Officer Commanding 8 Division, Major General Godwin Mutkut, commended the gallant performance and successes of the troops. He urged them to maintain the momentum, emphasizing the importance of not resting until peace and tranquility are fully restored in the Northwest.
