The Nigerian Army says troops of Operation Hadarin Daji killed scores of bandits at Kabasa village in Magami Local Government of Zamfara State on Tuesday, while thwarting a kidnap attempt.
Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima, announced this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
Yerima said that troops of Sector 3 stormed the village following a credible tip-off about the bandits’ attack on the local residents.
He said the timely arrival of troops thwarted a deadly kidnap and plundering operations by the bandits.
Yerima said the bandits were engaged by troops who successfully neutralised scores of them, while others escaped into the forest with bullet wounds.
However, he said one soldier was killed, while three others sustained various degrees of injuries during the encounter, and are receiving medical treatment.
The army spokesperson said further that troops also responded to a distress call that bandits were attacking Gidan Goga village in Maradun Local Government Area of the state.
Troops swiftly mobilised to the area and engaged the bandits, killing three while others fled with gunshot wounds.
Yerima disclosed that troops conducting fighting patrol in Birnin Gwari area rescued two female victims kidnapped 22 days ago from Kuyallo village, Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
He said the victims have been given medical treatment while waiting to be reunited with their families, adding: “The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, has congratulated the gallant troops.
“He also charged them to keep up the momentum until the entire North-West zone is rid of bandits, cattle rustlers, kidnappers and sundry violent crimes.”