B Kingsley Omonobi

Abuja – In continuation of operations against armed banditry, kidnapping and other criminality in Katsina state, troops of 17 Brigade on Operation Harbin Kunama III have arrested a notorious bandit leader Mallam Bawa Gomna who is a deadly kidnapping kingpin and 20 others during operations around Batsari,Safana and Jibia Local Government Areas on within this month of June 2019.

Bandits & kidnappers arrested by troops in Katsina

Confirming the arrests, Col Sagir Musa, Acting Director, Army Public Relations said, “The criminal elements were apprehended in action while others were based on credible intelligence.

“It is worthy of note to mention that captured bandits and others on the run were responsible for terrorizing residents of Batsari, Safana, Jibia and other areas of the state” he said.

“The apprehended criminals have confessed to taking part in several banditry, cattle rustling and other sundry crimes.

“Presently they are being profiled and will be duly handed over to the respective law enforcement agency for further interrogation and prosecution” he added.

“The Commander, 17 Brigade, Brigadier General Aminu Bande wishes to appreciate all those whose information led to recent succeses.

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“He equally wishes to enjoin members of the public to continue to give out credible information to help troops record more successes against bandits and other criminals in order to flush them out completely.

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The names of the kidnappers and bandits arrested and the exhibits recovered are Mallam Bawa Gomna of Garin Waizir in safana LGA, .Mallam Bello Sabiu of fafara village of Jibia LGA, and brahim Umar of fafara village of Jibia LGA who are logistics suppliers of the bandits.

Others are Mallam Ibrahim Labo of Shamshelle in Birnin Gwari LGA LGA zamfara state, Musa Lawal of Maitonga village in Safana LGA, Mallam Adamu Mohammed, Ibrahim Babangida, Sani Adamu, Yusuf Abubakar and Adamu Saidu all of Mairuwa village in faskari LGA of Katsina state to mention a few.

Also troops recovered motorcycles, food stuffs, handsets and jerry cans of petroleum motor sprit (PMS) all aimed at boosting the logistics of the bandits.

Musa said the tremendous achievements recorded by troops of the Nigerian Army within the last few weeks are in line with the objectives and core mandate of Exercise Harbin Kunama III aimed at bringing an end to the activities of cattle rustling, armed robbery, kidnapping and banditry in Katsina state and environs as troops continue to dominate all suspected areas that are known to be the stronghold of bandits with patrols to deny them freedom of action.