The military's Operation Haderin Daji troops have freed six kidnapped people and retrieved 11 working motorcycles from the rogue bandits operating in Zamfara State.

The troops have continued to step up operations against marauding bandits in the Northwest Zone of Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, and Sokoto, respectively, according to a statement released on Wednesday in Gusau by Captain Yahaya Ibrahim, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations.

“Acting on an actionable intelligence report on August 5, 2023, on the massing up of armed bandits at Gidan Jaja of Zurmi LGA in Zamfara State, troops of the OPHD deployed at Forward Operating Base, FOB Zurmi, immediately mobilized for a fighting patrol to the general area to dislodge the bandits, during which contact was made with the criminals, but due to the troops’ superior firepower, the bandits were forced to flee in disarray with possible gunshot wounds.

“After the encounter, eleven operational motorcycles were captured from the fleeing bandits”, the statement added.

“Similarly, troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB, Anka in the State rescued four kidnapped victims.

“This was achieved following credible intelligence from locals that several persons were kidnapped at Gangamai village in Gwashi district of Bukkuyum Local Government Area of the State.

“The troops immediately mobilized for a rescue mission to the village and made contact with the bandits. The troops’ tactical abilities and fire superiority forced the bandits to flee and abandon their captives.

Also, troops of FOB Bini, while on patrol, rescued two kidnapped victims who were abandoned by marauding bandits and fled on sighting troops,” he said.

The Army spokesman said that all the rescued victims were successfully reunited with their families.

Continuing, he stated that Major General Godwin Mutkut has commended the resilience and commitment of the troops.

According to the statement, the Army General charged the troops not to relent in their efforts.

He also called on the people of the region to be very vigilant and to immediately report any suspicious movements or persons to the security agencies.