Troops neutralize 10, arrest bandit kingpin in N’West

The Nigerian Army says its troops have eliminated 10 terrorists and arrested a bandit kingpin in clearance operations in the North-West region.

The Information Officer, Joint Task Force, Operation Hadarin Daji, Capt. Yagata Ibrahim, said this in a statement on Saturday in Gusau.

He said the troops also arrested arms smugglers and recovered ammunition during the raids in Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto and Katsina States.

Ibrahim said the troops recorded tremendous successes in coordinated dry season clearance operations in the affected states.

“In a recent clearance operation conducted on Jan. 26, the troops cleared and destroyed terrorists’ enclaves at Pada, Matso-Matso and Yurlumu villages in Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

“During the operation, seven terrorists were neutralised while others escaped with severe gunshot wounds.

“In the same day, OPHD troops in Zamfara on fighting patrol neutralised two terrorists at Getso and Ubaka villages under Maru LGA.

“The troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and 7.62mm special ammunition and two motorcycles,” he said.