Troops of Operation Sahel Sanity conducted a well-coordinated intelligence-based raid on an illegal mining site located along Gadan Zaima in Bukuyyum LGA of Zamfara State and arrested 150 suspected armed bandits, the acting Director, Defence Media Operation, Brigadier General Benard Onyeuko, has disclosed.

“During the raid on the goldmine, which served as a hideout to armed bandits, the troops also recovered 20 locally fabricated Dane guns. One of the suspects was neutralised while trying to escape.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that aside from sabotaging the nation’s economy, banditry is being financed through these illegal mining activities.

“Similarly, troops on a fighting patrol encountered three bandits on motorcycles around Maigalma village in Anka LGA of Zamfara State who were attempting to attack innocent residents.

“During the encounter, one of the bandits was neutralised while others escaped. Troops recovered one AK-47 Rifle, one AK-47 Rifle magazine loaded with five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and two motorcycles from the fleeing bandits,” General Onyeuko said.

He said a repentant bandit leader named Bornon Kejo willingly surrendered to troops and submitted two AK-47 Rifles and two AK-47 Rifle magazines at Zurmi in Zurmi LGA of the state, adding that efforts were ongoing to recover more weapons as well as encourage others to embrace peace and submit their arms.

“In the same vein, seven trucks loaded with cattle suspected to have been rustled were arrested along Jibia-Katsina road and Gusau-Zaria road respectively,” he said. (Daily Trust)

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