The Nigerian Army, on Monday, said 18 kidnap victims have been rescued by troops of 8 divisions, deployed for clearance Operations against armed bandits in Zamfara State.

A statement signed by Brig General Mohammed Yerima, Director, Army Public Relations said the troops killed 5 Bandits’ Commanders and neutralized 48 others in separate gun battles under ‘Operation Mutane’.

According to Yerima, the Division had earlier launched Operation Tsare Mutane following the directives of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru.

“The General Officer Commanding (GOC) the Division, Maj Gen Usman Yusuf launched the first phase of Operation Tsare Mutane which lasted from 23 March to 2 April 2021 in Maradun LGA of Zamfara State.

“The troops successfully cleared many bandits’ camps in Jaya, Kadaya, and Bayan Ruwa amongst several others.

“The troops successfully neutralized 48 bandits while the bandit’s leader in the area, Jummo sustained gunshot wound to his leg.

“The troops rescued 18 kidnap victims from the bandits’ enclave. Eight AK-47 rifles and one G3 rifle, as well as one PKT and a Machine Gun were recovered from the bandits,” he added.