By: Bashir Rabe
Scores of suspected bandits have been killed in an ongoing military clearance operation in Maikujera town, Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Impeccable local sources confirmed that troops were gaining the upper hand during the operation, deploying Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) against the bandits.
According to the sources, the bandits were using their rustled cattle as shields, a tactic that led to the loss of many of the livestock. It was also gathered that the remaining cattle had dispersed into nearby forests.
Investigations revealed that the bandits, who are believed to be aligned with notorious kingpin Bello Turji, were reportedly moving stolen cattle from Gandi town and other adjoining villages in Rabah LGA to their supposed safe havens in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto State, through the Gundumi forest.
It was also learnt that scores of the bandits who survived the military assault fled and repeatedly ascended a nearby hill.
“The military personnel who had fully mobilized their personnel and resources for the operation are pursuing the bandits,” a source who lives in Maikujera town told our correspondent in a telephone interview.
“Some of the bandits had even abandoned their rifles and fled into nearby farms, taking advantage of the thick vegetation to hide.”
Confirming the operation, the Spokesperson of the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lt.-Col. Olaniyi Osoba, said details of the “hugely successful operation” would be made public in due course.
Residents of Maikujera and surrounding communities expressed relief, while calling for sustained operations to prevent the bandits from regrouping.
Mop-up operations are said to be ongoing in the bushes and border areas linking Rabah, Sabon Birni and Isa LGAs.(Global News Guru)
