Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal, has commended the Joint Task Force for a renewed large-scale onslaught against bandits in different parts of the state.
A statement by the spokesperson of the governor, Sulaiman Idris, said the deployment of the troops last weekend has led to the elimination of top bandit kingpins and their foot soldiers.
Mr Idris also denied claims made by a member of the House of Representatives that over 500 people were abducted in the state, saying that the report was peddled by individuals who do not want peace to return to the state.
“The ongoing military operation in the volatile areas of Zamfara is highly commendable, especially considering the successes recorded since the start of the onslaught last weekend.
“The operation has resulted in significant successes in Bungudu, Tsafe, Maru, and Zurmi local government areas, leading to the elimination of the bandit kingpin, Abu Dan Dunkwuifa, famous for terrorising villages in Bungudu and Maru.
“In Magama Mai Rake of Dansadau area in Maru LGA, the troops have successfully neutralised scores of bandits.
“The renewed military onslaught in Nasarawan Burkullu in Bukkuyum LGA resulted in the rescue of many kidnapped victims in Kamaru, Tungar Rogo, and Matsare villages, as well as the recovery of many rustled cows.
“The rumour that over 500 people were kidnapped is false and peddled by individuals who do not want peace to return to Zamfara State. Most of the identified volatile areas in Zamfara are undergoing extensive military operations, yielding positive results,” he said.
The governor further sympathized with the communities recently attacked by bandits in the state.
“The Zamfara State Government wishes to express sympathy with communities recently attacked by bandits. We are fully committed to ensuring the safety of the lives and properties of the people.
“Our government will continue to support the troops fighting insecurity and extend all necessary emergency support to the victims of banditry in the state,” the statement added.
