From Mohammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

The General Commandant of 1 Mechanized Nigerian Army, Major General Adeniyi Oyebade, yesterday said army has killed about 35 armed bandits and cattle rustlers across states in North West Zone of the country.

Major General Oyebade added that about 6, 009 livestock were recovered during the operations in the areas.

According to him, the army also succeeded in arresting about 39 armed bandits and cattle rustlers from the zone.

Addressing newsmen in the state, the GOC said large sum of weapons have been recovered during the joint military and other security agencies operations in the zone.

“We carried out these operations across these states: Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Zamfara and Niger states within the past 2 months specifically based on intelligence reports.

“Operations in Kaduna State axis was concentrated around Damari- Birnin Gwari Kwalakwange forest areas. 8 bandits/ Rustlers camps were destroyed, bandits killed and livestock recovered which have been handed over to the relevant authority.

“Weapons recovered include 2 AK 47 rifles, 4 dane guns, 1 short Barrel locally made gun, machetes, bow and arrows and the sum of 45, 000 naira cash. We also lost a soldier, 3 sustained injuries.

“In Zamfara state the operations focused on identified bandits, cattle rustling in 5 Local government areas of the state which are Gusau, Tsafe, Zurmi, Birnin Magaji and Maradun. Bandits were killed, arrests, 19 bandits, cattle rustlers camp were destroyed.

“Operations also took place in Katsina and Kano States following intelligence reports on increased level of cattle rustling and banditry. In Kano operations were carried in Falgore and Zainabi forest were 11 camps were destroyed. In Katsina operations were conducted in Rugu and Gamji forest among other places with considerable success,” he said.

He added that the army is also monitoring religious groups within the area of responsibility and keeping tab on their activities.

He further assured that the army will comply to role of engagement and adhere to human rights in discharging their duties.