The Nigerian Army Joint Task Force, Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD), in North-West, has neutralised 12 bandits, recovered weapons, AK-47 rifle, one magazine and two rounds of 7.62mm and 18 cows.

The operation’s information officer, Lt. Suleman Omale, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists in Gusau on Saturday.

Mr Omale said the success recorded followed a continued offensive operations against violent extremists with a view to restoring normalcy in the North-West region.

He said the troops successfully dominated Babban Doka, Gobirawar Challi and Kabaro communities under Maru Local Government Area of the state, engaging the terrorists in a heavy gun duel on Friday.

“During the operation, our troops from Dansadau area forward operating base exhibited exceptional courage, overpowering the criminal elements and neutralising 12 terrorists, while others fled with gunshot wounds.

“In a subsequent mop-up the gallant troops recovered significant weapons and assets from the scene, including one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one locally made gun, one dane gun.

“Additionally, the troops also recovered 18 cows, 10 motorcycles belonging to the terrorists and destroyed them on the spot,” he said.

Mr Omale quoted the Commander 1 Brigade and Sector 1 OPHD, Brig.-Gen. Sani Ahmed as commending the resilience, doggedness and gallantry displayed by the troops during the operation.

“Let me urge the galant troops to maintain the momentum and not to relent until normalcy is fully restored in the region,” Mr Ahmed charged.

He extended his appreciation to the General Officer 

Commanding 8 Division, Sokoto and Commander OPHD, Maj.-Gen. Godwin Mutkut, for his tactical leadership.

 (NAN)