Troops of 223 Battalion, 1 Brigade under the auspices of Operation SHARAN DAJI of 1 Division Nigerian Army, on Sunday carried out a fighting patrol against cattle rustlers and armed bandits in Kabaru village forest, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara.

Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, said last night: “During the patrol, the troops engaged armed bandits and killed 3 of them and wounded some. “The troops recovered 20 motorcycles, 4 empty cases of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition and 4 empty cases of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition. Other items recovered include 1 mobile telephone handset, some rings and a bag containing local charms.

“The troops also carried out similar operation at in forests at Kusa, Bayan Dutse and Gusami general area in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area of the same state. Although no armed bandit was killed, it is believed some of them have escaped with gunshot wounds. The troops however made the following recovery; 1 AK-47 rifle, 1 AK-47 rifle magazine, 13 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, 2 motorcycles, 4 rustled cows and a machete. The troops also apprehended a suspected errand boy and informants to the armed bandits at Gusami village.

“Thereafter, the patrol team proceeded to Maganawa forest where they equally engaged the armed bandits and killed one of them and recovered 1 locally made pistol, a Dane Gun and 5 rounds of ammunition before returning to base.”

•Photo shows Nigerian troops on duty.