The Nigerian Army has said that its troops neutralized scores of bandits in a fierce battle, and recovered arms and ammunition.
Onyema Nwachukwu, Brigadier General, Director of Army Public Relations, in a statement on Saturday, June 26, said, “Troops of 8 Division Nigerian Army (NA), while on a fighting patrol, came under fire of bandits operating along Mayanchi-Dogo Karfe and Fagantama villages in Talata Marafa LGA of Zamfara State.
“In the fierce encounter that ensued, the bandits were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the troops.
“This led to scores of bandits being neutralized. The troops also recovered one PKT riffle, a large cache of ammunition, and a motorcycle,” the statement said.
According to the statement, “Relatedly, troops have neutralized 5 bandits in another encounter at Bingi village, in Bungudu LGA of Zamfara State. During the gun duel, the bandits withdrew in disarray having sustained severe gun shot wounds.
“The gallant troops recovered one AK-47 riffle, one motorcycle and 3 mobile phones from the routed criminals.
“While appreciating the combat resilience and renewed vigor of the troops, the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Faruk Yahaya urged them to sustain the aggressive posture in order to defeat all criminal elements operating in the North West and other parts of the country.
“He urged communities in the North West to support the troops with useful information at all times to enhance anti-banditry operations.”