From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
Security operatives have neutralised scores of suspected bandits in an ongoing military clearance operation in Maikujera town, Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Local sources confirmed that troops were gaining the upper hand in the operation, deploying Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) against the bandits.
The sources further stated that the bandits used rustled cattle as shields, a tactic that resulted in the deaths of many of the animals. It was also gathered that the surviving cattle scattered into nearby forests.
Reports also indicate that the bandits had been holding meetings and gatherings in the area for several days.
On Wednesday, they emerged from the Gundumi Forest, passed through the Sabaru Forest and entered Maikujera village in Rabah Local Government Area, in western Sokoto.
They reportedly returned in the early hours of Thursday, at around 3:00 a.m.
According to sources, they had passed through the Dange-Shuni and Rabah forests on their way back after allegedly wreaking havoc in Sifawa and other villages in Bodinga Local Government Area.
Joint security operatives comprising soldiers, Mobile Police personnel and vigilantes reportedly laid an ambush for them.
At least 68 suspected bandits were reportedly killed, along with a large number of livestock.
The bandits, believed to be loyal to notorious kingpin Bello Turji, were reportedly moving stolen cattle from Gandi town and other adjoining villages in Rabah Local Government Area to suspected hideouts in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto State through the Gundumi Forest.
It was also learnt that scores of bandits who survived the assault fled and repeatedly climbed a nearby hill.
“The military personnel have fully mobilised their personnel and resources for the operation and are pursuing the bandits,” a source in Maikujera town told our correspondent in a telephone interview.
“Some of the bandits even abandoned their rifles and fled into nearby farms, taking advantage of the thick vegetation to hide.”
Confirming the operation, the spokesperson for the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lt.-Col. Olaniyi Osoba, said details of the “hugely successful operation” would be made public in due course.
Residents of Maikujera and surrounding communities expressed relief and called for sustained operations to prevent the bandits from regrouping.
The operation is reportedly ongoing in the bushes and border areas linking Rabah, Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas.
