Troops Apprehend ‘Bandit Kingpin’ and Kill One in Sokoto, Zamfara

Major General Godwin Mutkut, Commander, JTF Northwest, Operation Hadarin Daji, and GOC 8 Division, praised the troops.

Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) troops apprehended a “bandit kingpin” identified as Jabi Ruwa and some alleged gang members in Dambala village, Sokoto State, while a separate operation in Zamfara State resulted in the death of one bandit.

According to a top military source who requested anonymity, the arrests in Sokoto were carried out on Friday as part of a continuing clearance operation to free the North-West of banditry, kidnapping, and other horrific crimes.

Acting on credible information, troops searched bandit enclaves in Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Zamfara states, resulting in the arrest of several alleged members of Ruwa’s gang who were hiding in Dambala village in Sokoto State.

According to the source, troops from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gwadabawa and Raka in Sokoto were quickly mobilised to Dambala village, where Jabi Ruwa and four other members were detained.

All arrested individuals are now being investigated.

In another long-term clearance operation, OPHD troops removed bandits’ strongholds and thoroughfares in the Zamfara State communities of Sangeko, Kabugu Lamba, Kaboro, and Mairairai.

During the process, forces came into contact with armed bandits at famed bandit leader Alhaji Ilu’s stronghold in Sangeko, Kabagon Lamba, Danmani, and Kaboro villages under Maru LGA, according to Channels Television.

The troops engaged the armed bandits in a gunfight, forcing them to flee. While one robber was apprehended, it was discovered that others escaped with gunshot wounds.

Troops patrolled aggressively within the settlements to eliminate other bandits and deny them freedom of action.

Major General Godwin Mutkut, Commander, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Hadarin Daji, who also serves as General Officer Commanding 8 Division, complimented the troops and entrusted them with maintaining the pace.