Troops Neutralize Bandits’ Leader, Others, Rescue 20 Victims

Troops of the Joint Task Force, North West Operation Hadarain Daji, (OPHD) have again rescued 20 kidnapped victims in a separate operation.

They also neutralized two terrorists, including a notorious terrorists’ leader in Zamfara State.

The bandits’ kingpin, identified as Sule, was said to have been eliminated and his gang members fled from their hideouts during the combat with the troops.

The OPHD troops, according to report, on January 29, 2024, during their continuous clearance operation at identified terrorists’ enclaves at Rukudawa, Dumburum forest, Tsanu, Birnin Tsaba, Magare and Shamushalle general areas of Zurmi and Birnin Magaji Local Government Areas of the State, recorded successful operations.

A statement issued by the OPHD spokesman, Captain Yahaya Ibrahim, said the troops neutralized two terrorists, including a terrorists’ leader identified as Sainaje from Katsina State, which led to the rescue of 18 kidnapped victims, comprising four males and 14 females, as well as children.

“Similarly, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji rescued another two victims who were captured by the terrorists while on transit along Shinkafi Isa road of Zamfara State.

“The rescued victims were abandoned during a gun duel with the highly motivated troops whose timely arrival led to the rescue of the victims.

“All rescued victims were handed over to the appropriate authorities to reunite them with their respective families.

“The Commander, Joint Task Force, North West Operation Hadarain Daji, General Officer Commanding 8 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Godwin Mutkut has continued to commend the efforts of the troops for their doggedness and resilience in going after the terrorists,” he said.