The troops recently successfully repelled the attack of Boko Haram bandits and neutralized 19 bandits in the process.

The Army unfortunately, lost the lives of 4 soldiers during the encounter.

According to a press statement signed by Acting Force Information Officer Force Information Officer,  Captain Ayobami Oni-Orisan,   the troops operated based on intelligence indicating that armed bandits were seen crossing with some rustled cows at DAKI TAKWAS in ANKA Local Government Area.

“OPHD troops deployed in the general area immediately ambushed the criminals along road ANKA-DAKI TAKWAS. The criminals fled and abandoned the rustled cows in the area. “

” Troops pursued the fleeing criminals and successfully neutralized 20 of them and recovered the following items:
a.2 x Motorcycles
b.6 x magazines
c.160 x rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition and many links
d.60 x rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition
e.296 cows”

“Presently, troops have dominated the general area with aggressive patrols, snap checkpoints and ambushes amongst other line of operations to deny the criminals freedom of action.”

“This onslaught against armed banditry and all other criminal activities will continue until banditry is effectively combated. Troops will continue to remain highly committed and professional in carrying out assigned tasks in line with the extant Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct.”

Accordingly, the Force Commander OPHD and Acting General Officer Commanding 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General Aminu Bande commended the troops for their commitment and reassured the good people of Zamfara and other neighboring states of the determination of the Army and other security agencies to secure lives and properties.

He further solicits for the support of the public to continue to support the on-going campaign against armed banditry by providing timely and credible information to OPHD troops and other security agencies to ensure prompt and decive action.

The FC also  warned all recalcitrant bandits and their cohorts to lay down their arms and embrace the on-going peace process of the Zamfara State Government or face full military action.