Troops of Operation Saharan Daji (OPSD) have killed 55 bandits and rescued 760 abducted persons in Zamfara State.
A statement by the acting Force Information Officer, Major Clement Abiade, said, in continuation of operations designed to decimate banditry in Zamfara and other contiguous states, the troops had several encounters with bandits during the period in focus and neutralized 55 bandits.
Abiade added that the air component of OPSD carried out several air strikes around Kagara, Gando, Fankama, Fete, and Dumburum forests.
“Subsequent operations in the forests led to the rescue of 760 abductees. The abductees consisted of men, women, and children from communities in Zamfara State,” he said.
Abiade added that 24 suspected bandits, informants, rustlers, kidnappers and logistics suppliers were arrested during the period in Zamfara.
“Unfortunately, one officer, two soldiers and members of vigilance groups paid the supreme prize during the encounter with bandits in Kagara Forest,” he said.
He noted that the sustained operation led to the return of over 1,000 internally displaced persons from Maru to Bini village on February 17.
