Following the precision air bombardments of armed bandits assembly points and their arms logistics base in the Sububu Forest in Zamfara state which led to the annihilation of scores of the bandits, hundreds of residents of Magami District in Gusau LGA of Zamfara State “have held a peaceful rally in appreciation of military operations that have ensured relative peace in their environment”.
Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brig-Gen Bernard Onyeuko, said the residents disclosed that “the rally was as a result of the locals being able to access their farmlands without harassment or attacks by bandits who hitherto made life unbearable for them”.
Giving an update of security operations in the country, Onyeuko said, “On 12 July 2021, based on credible and timely information on the massing up of bandits around Sububu Forest possibly in preparation for an attack, the Air Component of Op Hadarin Daji dispatched its NAF platforms and engaged the bandits in a precision bombardment.
“Several armed bandits, motorcycles, camps and other equipment were destroyed. This dealt a serious setback to their criminal activities in the area. The Air Component of the operation has continued to dominate the airspace with reconnaissance and in support of ground troops.
Additionally, he said, “Land and Air operations were conducted simultaneously in other locations in Zamfara, Katsina, Niger and Kaduna States.
“These include ambush operations against armed bandits’ at Galadi village in Zamfara State as well as stop and search operations along with Isa – Shinkafi Road in Zamfara State; Sheme – Ruwan Godiya Road and Gurbin Baure, the border between Katsina and the Zamfara States.
“Also, troops responded to the distress call of bandits’ attack at Sabon Garin Yankara, in which troops swiftly mobilized to the location and repelled the attack.
“Furthermore, troops conducted clearance and cordon and search operations at Chabi village under Marabu District in Maru LGA of Zamfara State as well as at Jarkuka Yangayya, Mazaya and Buku villages in Jibia LGA of Katsina State.
“Troops also within the period conducted rescue operations at Mararaba Maigora village in Katsina State and Dogon Hako village in Kaduna State.
“In each encounter, troops engaged and subdued the criminals; and recovered several livestock as well as arms and ammunition, including AK-47 rifles, locally made pistols, Dane guns and several rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
“Generally, the security situation in some locations within Operation Hadarin Daji theatre is considerably calm which is evident as locals were seen carrying out their daily activities peacefully.
In the South West, Brig Gen Onyeuko said troops of Operation Awatse conducted operational engagements on anti-crude oil theft, anti-illegal refining and anti-smuggling operations as well as conducted clearance and stop and search operations in such areas as Tomaron Community at Corner Loss Axis in the Atlas Cove NNPC Terminal, Lagos State.
“During the operations, troops arrested some illegal oil bunkers and recovered large quantities of 50 litres Jerry cans filled with PMS siphoned from the NNPC pipeline.
“Additionally, troops while on patrol within the period discovered and impounded large quantities of PMS and other petroleum products in sacks as well as in 50 litres jerry cans at Ogogoro Village and Ashipa Beach along Badagry – Seme Shoreline in Badagry West LGA of Lagos State as well as at Igbokoda area in Ondo State”.
