The Armed Forces of Nigeria on Saturday said that at least 100 bandits were killed and 148 bandits arrested in various parts of the Northwest by troops of Operation Sahel Sanity in the last two months.
Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Benard Onyeuko, told journalists in Katsina State that during the series of search and rescue operations conducted between July 1 and September 4, troops rescued 107 kidnapped victims.
In addition, General Onyeuko said that the troops arrested 315 illegal armed miners, as well as nabbed 20 bandits’ informants and collaborators, six arms suppliers, 13 rustled cattle marketers, and 32 bandits’ logistics suppliers.
The military Spokesperson noted that 3,984 rustled cows, 1,627 sheep and rams, and three camels were recovered.
He said a large cache of arms and ammunition were recovered, including 43 AK47 rifles, one GPMG, and 100 Dane guns, among other weapons.
According to him, 81 bandits’ camps, including the notorious Dangote Triangle and their logistics bases were destroyed by troops, while 74 bandit attacks and 54 kidnap incidents were foiled within the period under review.
He explained that the operation was aimed at supporting Operation Hadarin Daji to curb the activities of armed bandits, cattle rustlers, kidnappers, and other criminals in the region.