The Defence Headquarters on Monday said Nigerian soldiers have killed three suspected bandits and arrested 10 others. Three kidnapped victims across the Northwest.

The military operation was carried out on Sunday in villages across Katsina, Zamfara and Kaduna. Defence Headquarters also disclosed that assault rifles, 88 rustled cows and an unconfirmed number of sheep were recovered from the bandits arrested by troops of ‘Operation Accord.’

Troops on night patrol in Yar Tasha village made contact with armed bandits and engaged them in firefight, Defence spokesman John Enenche said in a statement.

Some bandits were arrested while others escaped with gunshot wounds, the military said, adding that AK-47 rifles were also recovered during the operation

In Natsinta and Dawanna villages in Jibia Local Government Area along Katsina-Jibia Road, 10 suspected bandits migrating with rustled livestock were arrested. The military noted that the suspects are currently in custody undergoing further investigation.

However, the troops also rescued a kidnapped victim on Sunday in Kaduna State.

“Similarly, troops deployed at Ungwan Doka on 15 November 2020, rescued an abduction victim Adamu Yahaya.”

Officials said investigation revealed that the victim was kidnapped at Unguwar Sa’ida village in Faskari LGA. He has since been reunited with his family.