Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal has commended the Joint Task Force, JTF, troops for their renewed large-scale onslaught against bandits in the State.
The military deployed more troops to Zamfara State last weekend in its efforts to thwart the operations of bandits in volatile areas of the state.
A statement by the spokesman of the Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, described the ongoing military onslaught as a necessary measure to disrupt the criminality of bandits.
The statement sympathized with communities affected by recent bandits’ attacks in volatile areas, while also assuring full and continued support by the State government to the troops at the frontline.
The statement read in parts: “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 bandits’ kingpin, Abu Dan Dunkwuifa, famous for terrorizing villages in Bungudu and Maru.
“In Magama Mai Rake of Dansadau area in Maru Local Government Area, the troops have successfully neutralized scores of bandits.
“The renewed military onslaught in Nasarawan Burkullu in Bukkuyum LGA, resulted to the rescue of many kidnapped victims in Kamaru, Tungar Rogo, and Matsare villages, as well as the recovery of many rustled cows.
“The rumor 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.
“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.”