Troops of Operation Sahel Sanity have from inception in July to 31st December, 2020 neutralized 220 armed Bandits during combat and recovered 73 AK 47 riffles, One General Purpose Machine Gun, 194 Dane guns from the Criminals.
This was revealed by the acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brig. Gen. Benard Onyeuko, during end of the year press briefing at Special Army Super Camp 4, Faskari in Katsina State.
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Brig. Gen. Onyeuko who was represented by Col. Aminu Iliyacu, Army Operations Media Coordinator, said during the year under review, the troops have also succeeded in recovery of 5,032 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 568 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and 156 live cartridges as well as destruction of 197 bandits camps and hideouts including the notorious Dangote Triangle and several logistics bases.
He noted that, operation Sahel Sanity also apprehended 335 suspected bandits, 326 illegal miners, 147 bandits informants and collaborators, 14 bandits arms suppliers, 24 rustled cattle marketers and 46 bandits logistics suppliers.
Others were, recovery of 7,761 cows, 1,867 sheep/rams and 4 camels which were given back to their rightful owners by the troops during the period.
Gen. Benard said, the troops have rescued 642 kidnapped victims including the 344 students of Government Science Secondary School, Kankara and foiled 165 bandits attacks and 81 kidnap attempts.
Speaking on the Civil Military Cooperation Projects and activities conducted by the military to support host communities within the operational area of operation Sahel Sanity, Brig. Gen. Benard said, they distributed palliatives to the locals and renovated medical facilities at Faskari and Kaura Namoda communities in Katsina and Zamfara States respectively.
Adding that, free medical outreaches and distribution of palliatives to locals and flood at Koko-Besse and Bagudu local government areas of Kebbi State and payments of compensation to farmers whose farmlands were affected as a result of the ongoing operation and expansion of the Special Army Super Camp 4, Faskari in Katsina State.
However, he lamented on the loss of 2 officers and 4 brave soldiers who paid the supreme price in the cause of defending the dignity of people., saying, more strategic efforts are in place to ensure elimination of the remnants of security challenge within the northwest .
