Troops from the Joint Task Force North West Operation Hadarin Daji have successfully eliminated a notorious bandit kingpin known as “Sainaje” and rescued 20 kidnapped victims in Zamfara.

The operation took place as part of the ongoing dry season clearance operations in the state, according to a statement released by the Information Officer of Operation Hadarin Daji, Captain Yahaya Ibrahim.

During the recent operation, conducted at terrorists’ enclaves in various areas of Zurmi and Birnin Magaji Local Government Areas of Zamfara, the troops achieved significant success.

The terrorists’ camps, including those of a notorious terrorist leader named Sule, were destroyed as the aggressive troops engaged them in heavy contact, leading to the terrorists fleeing their camps.

“On the 29th of January 2024, the OPHD troops, during its continuous clearance operation at terrorists’ enclaves at Rukudawa, Dumburum, Tsanu, Birnin Tsaba, Magare, and Shamushalle general areas of Zurmi and Birnin Magaji LGA of Zamfara state,” Ibrahim stated.

The troops neutralized two terrorists, including the notorious leader Sainaje from Katsina State, during the operation.

This resulted in the rescue of 18 kidnapping victims, consisting of 4 males, 14 females, and children.

Additionally, the troops of Operation HADARIN rescued two victims who had been abducted by the terrorists while on transit along the Shinkafi-Isa road in Zamfara.

The captors abandoned the victims during a gun duel with the highly motivated troops, whose prompt response led to the successful rescue.

All the rescued victims were handed over to the appropriate authorities to reunite them with their respective families.

Major General Godwin Mutkut, the Commander of the Joint Task Force North West Operation Hadarin Daji, commended the troops for their unwavering determination and resilience in restoring normalcy to the Northwest region.