Troops of Operation Hadarin Daji have neutralized no fewer than 25 bandits in Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoro State in its effort to rid the axis of incessant unprovoked killings and kidnappings prevalent in the zone. The coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Eneche while announcing the deed recorded by the military in August, said troops of Operation Hadarin Daji have continued to record significant successes against the armed bandits in the North West Zone of the country, stressing that during the period under review large cache of arms and ammunition, over 1000 livestock were recovered. Narrating some of the operations that led to the successes Eneche said:
"For the month of August, troops have continued to exhibit continued resilience in the fight against armed banditry, cattle rustling and other sundry crimes in the zone.
"In one of the feats recorded, troops of operation Sahel Sanity deployed at Daki Takwas on August, 20, intercepted a Toyota Corolla car with Registration Number. Dal 41 MT.
"After a diligent search of the vehicle, troops discovered 11 locally made rifles and 150 live cartridges concealed in different parts of the vehicle, he said.
Five occupants of the vehicle were arrested by the security operatives who found that the weapons were being taken to Kofar Dinya in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of the state.
"Troops on August, 23, conducted a well-coordinated intelligence-based operation leading to the raid of an illegal mining site located along Gadan Zaima - Zuru road in Bukuyyum LGA which also serves as bandits' hideout.
"During the operation, 150 suspects were arrested and arms and ammunition were recovered, he added.
Similarly, the troops on fighting patrol reportedly encountered three bandits on riding on motorcycles around Maigalma village in Anka LGA of Zamfara State while attempting to attack innocent residents.
"During the encounter, one of the bandits was neutralized while others escaped. Troops recovered one AK-47 Rifle, one AK 47 Rifle magazine loaded with five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and two motorcycles from the fleeing bandits.
"This is in addition to the neutralization of not fewer than 20 armed bandits within the month of August in Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto States.