Troops of the Operation Sahel Sanity in the Northwest region have arrested 3 Nigerien Gun runners, alleged to be collaborating with bandits and other insurgents at Sabon Birni Area Council of Sokoto State.
The Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Bernard Onyeuko stated this while briefing journalists at the Special Army Super Camp 4 in Faskari, Katsina State.
Major General Onyeuko said, the successes recorded so far, is coming days after dignitaries, including the Chairmen Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Army, Governors and traditional rulers visited the camp, pledging their supports for the operations.
He said, as a result of the morale booster visits, the troops on the 15th of August in Sokoto, succeeded in arresting 3 Nigeriens who specialized in arms supply to bandits in the North West, from across the international borders, after a painstaking undercover operation.
He said, the trio of Alhaji Adamu Alhassan, Salisu Adamu and Abdullahi Sani (all Nigerien citizens) were intercepted by the eagle-eyed troops at Dantudu, in Mailailai District of Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State with 6 AK 47 Rifles, 3 AK 47 Rifle magazines and 2,415 rounds of 7.62mm Special Ammunition, deceptively concealed in various parts of their vehicle.
Preliminary investigation reveals that the dangerous consignment was meant for some bandits in Isah LGA of Sokoto State, which could have led to loss of thousands of innocent lives, but for the swift interception by the vigilant troops.
Onyeuko also added that, within the 3 days period under review, 6 bandits were arrested in Sokoto State, 4 informants arrested in Zamfara State, while 12 bandits camps were destroyed in Batsari, neutralizing 3 bandits, as several others escaped with wounds.
While thanking the locals for providing credible information that led to the appreciable successes, he said in no distant time enemies of the state will be defeated, as the troops are equally encouraged for their commitment and resilience in the course of the operation.
